Those of us in Texas know about Perry, including the warts. He does have some.
But we keep reelecting him, even when he runs against someone else that we like, Senator Hutchinson or Mayor White, for instance.
Perry is one shrewd politician. Seems like he often hits the right chord. And he is a ruthless administrator. Just ask any commissioner he has appointed. They do not dare oppose him.
Perry is a RINO, but he is also a leader. Smart people usually end up working FOR people like Perry. They are too hamstrung with their own intelligence to lead.