Your response is not “RARE RARE” at all, but demonstrates reasonable and common sense. That being the case, what is it about Perry, given his “no fence” and “in-state tuition” positions, that’s so appealing as opposed to Palin?
Rock solid executive experience (first and foremost). Solid social stances, and particularly with a 10th amendment touch to it. No material “flip flopping” on (critical) issues. Tort reform. A decent (not stellar) stance on taxes and spending.
All of these points screamed out loud yes to me, especially given the rest of the crop of candidates. I studied his immigration record and felt “comfortable” enough to say it is a “Texas specific” policy he promoted. Of course, I will watch him closely on this issue on the national stage and stomp on him if he veers.
If Palin was similarly a full-term plus Governor with solid executive record, I would have been all for her. Simply not the case. And, she turned into (whether her fault or not) into this lighning rod that will find it very hard to turn more people into conservatives - I believe.