[jpsb]

"It is a trap."

I think there is a lot of truth in what you say. Texas is a weak governor state. Credit Lt gov Dewhurst and the state legislature for whatever success Texas has had recently. Also credit big oil.

I am 70% convinced that Perry jumped in last time to prevent Sara Palin from getting in. And to even further split conservatives so as to help Romney. Santorum staying in had a very similar effect and I think that was on purpose.

[bert]

all of which is why I propose a Secondary.

That is, a vote to determine the Conservative to enter the Republican primary

[af_vet_rr]

I think there is a lot of truth in what you say. Texas is a weak governor state.

If you've been in power for over a decade like Perry has, that means you have had over a decade to make appointments, which is a lot of power to shape the state, no matter which way you look at it. To quote the Governor's website:

The authority to make governmental appointments is one of the powers given to the Governor of Texas by the state's constitution.

During a four-year term, a Governor will make about 3,000 appointments.

Most appointments are:
State officials and members of state boards, commissions and councils that carry out the laws and direct the policies of state government activities;
Members of task forces that advise the Governor or executive agencies on specific issues and policies; and
State elected and judicial offices when vacancies occur by resignation or death of the office holder.