Posted on 11/08/2006 9:25:40 PM PST by weegee
AUSTIN — Savoring his re-election victory, Republican Gov. Rick Perry pledged today to work with lawmakers from both political parties as he pushes to secure the border, create jobs and improve schools.
And although he said he's proud to be governor and that it's "the best job in the world," he wouldn't commit to completing the four-year term he just won.
"That's kind of up to the good Lord. He may decide he wants me doing something different and I'm out of here tomorrow. Who knows?" Perry said. "I plan on being here working, making a difference."
Perry said he was asked during his campaign about serving his entire term, but he said, "I'm not naive enough to take the bait on that."
Perry has been mentioned by some supporters as a possible vice presidential nominee in 2008, but Perry himself never waded into the subject.
He overcame three major challengers Tuesday to win with 39 percent of the vote on a night in which a number of governorships nationwide turned over to Democrats. Perry defeated Democrat Chris Bell and independents Carole Keeton Strayhorn and Kinky Friedman.
If Perry completes his second term he will be the state's longest-serving governor. He became governor in December 2000, when George W. Bush resigned to become president. In 2002, Perry won the office outright.
Perry struck a conciliatory tone and said he wants to put forth an inclusive agenda heading into the 2007 legislative session. He said he wants to build on the bipartisan efforts of last spring when Texas lawmakers approved and Perry signed a new school funding plan.
"We have a very diverse state, very diverse people," he said. "We need less partisanship. We need less cynicism. We need more bridge building."
A strong economy and an expected record budget surplus make him optimistic about what will be accomplished in the legislative session that begins in January, he said.
One his leading issues will be allotting state money to battle crime along the Texas-Mexico border, Perry said. He has said he will ask lawmakers for an additional $100 million for the state effort, though he contends the federal government should foot the bill.
"I hope in two years we're not expending state dollars to defend our border, to secure our border," he said. "For God sakes, Washington needs to understand it's their responsibility."
Perry's campaign aides said Wednesday that border security was the top issue they identified that resonated with conservative base voters Perry worked to win over in the election.
Perry also said he wants to make the state budgeting system more open and transparent. He said his office will soon start posting information online to help Texans see where their tax money is going. He said he will work for "truth in budgeting," in which money that is said to be allocated for a particular project actually goes to that fund.
Other legislative agenda items include battling increasing property tax appraisals and working to reduce the high rate of Texans without health insurance, he said.
"I've never been one of those anti-government conservatives," he said. "I'm a limited government conservative."
Bell, as he consoled supporters after his second-place finish, said he urges those who will be serving the state to ask themselves: "What will we be leaving behind? What will we be leaving for my children and your children?' The best schools? An affordable health-care system? A transparent government? A better place? If you cannot honestly answer those questions in the affirmative, what have you won?"
Even though he didn't win with a majority of the vote, Perry and his aides pointed out that he was the winner in 209 counties, down slightly from 218 when he won decisively over Democrat Tony Sanchez in 2002.
Perry, responding to a question from a news reporter, indicated he's not worried about whether he has a mandate from voters.
"Texans want to see a governor who's moving this state forward," he said.
Perry was a Democrat when Reagan was in the White House. I don't see him getting a nomination.
I don't know anything about her sex life but how about a senator from NY. Would that make you happier? By the way, Texas got the job done yesterday.
Let's keep him in Texas guys.
Please... no more "bridge building" RINO's...
Been there; done that...
So, I'm supposed to choose this guy or we're just stuck with Hillary?
This is your arguing point? This is your logical thesis upon which we are supposed to spar?
I live in Texas and could see another Texas governor as President just not this Governor.
I am not sure why Perry be on anyones hot list for VP.
I think Rick Perry would be a great choice for VP -- if we need a metrosexual to balance the ticket.
My point was in the last sentence. You are intitled to you opinion about George Bush but don't MESS WITH TEXAS. We did our part for our country. I hope your state did too. I'm not going to sit here and let you trash my state though.
Nothing wrong with him dreaming though:')
"(Rick) Perry won't commit to full term as governor (R-Texas)"
What the bloody hell else would he do? Oh God no. Not another one. Not a snowballs chance in Hades.
What is it about him? I used to think it was because he was following GB but it has been 6 years. It's like....I don't know. who is he?
AS someone who voted for Rick Perry, he should not and will not get a promotion.
Give me a break. Nobody 'trashed your state'. Your governor said something stupid and we don't need any more of his kind in national office. You want to keep electing him, fine, go to town, but we don't need any more 'Bridge Building Texas Governors' in our national races. At least not for a few years, K?
Well we could be sending them Kinky:')
Yes you did but all right. We all need a break.
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