[MestaMachine]

“...the last really close general-election race Perry had was in 1998 for lieutenant governor, and the media strategist for his Democratic opponent, John Sharp, was a familiar name—David Axelrod.”

Ruh roh. this was a *really close* race? That means that ax knows Perry’s hotbuttons. And he will darn sure push them. Every one of them.
I ain’t liking the hint that he is vindictive too much either. Enemies list keeps popping into my head.
Still gathering info, but to be honest, the more I learn, I am liking Perry a little less as time passes. Even the Texans on this board are divided about him, some of whom I respect very much.

---

[txrangerette]

I wouldn’t pay too much mind to Matthew Dowd.

But that’s just me...

[cripplecreek]

We can’t afford another wishy washy open border president.

That alone negates any claims of fiscal responsibility.

[Gargantua]

I'm inherently distrustful of any former Democrat who changed parties. 1986, when the author mentions seeing Perry applying for a Democrat position, was the middle of Reagan's eight year presidency.

Anyone who watched 5 years of President Reagan's remarkable American revival based upon purely and successfully conservative precepts, and still wanted to run as a Democrat... seems to have possibly been severely principles-challenged... just sayin.

What caused him to change party? Was it a political calculation, or a heart change? Like I said, absent any additional data, just the fact that he was ever a Democrat makes me leery of him. Factor in that he's not even close to being the most successful conservative Governor as a current potential GOP candidate in 2012, and I really don't see the point.

We can do alot better. IMHO.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

"“...the last really close general-election race Perry had was in 1998 for lieutenant governor, and the media strategist for his Democratic opponent, John Sharp, was a familiar name—David Axelrod.”"

Ruh roh. this was a *really close* race? That means that ax knows Perry’s hotbuttons. And he will darn sure push them. Every one of them.

Interesting race that was. Rove and Bush were telling Perry and his campaign to go easy on Sharp in his campaign for Lt. Gov so Dubya could get Dem votes in his campaign for Gov., but Perry knew better.

That election caused a rift with Sharp, who had been a close friend of Perry's since their days at A&M but they've patched things up since then (in a gun shop, no less) and have worked together. Texas A&M Years Launched Perry — and a Rivalry

[grey_whiskers]

I look in his eyes and see a lying weasel.

Just the opposite of Sarah.

Cheers!

[submarinerswife]

If Axelrod is so good, why do they need the media to cover for Obama at every single turn?