so_real, as I recall, the question you posed initially was as between Bachmann and Perry, but we have no way of knowing that that is going to be our option when either the primary or general election comes. Obviously, I will vote in November ‘12 for whoever wins the GOP nomination. It may or may not be Perry, but I seriously doubt it will be Bachmann.
I will say this: I have been shocked and disappointed with how Michelle Bachmann has run her campaign. I’d donated modestly to her Congressional campaign going back I think either to her first or second run for Congress. In the past few months, and especially since the IA Straw Poll, she’s just made one dumb mistake after the other; then this past week she got uber nasty in the debate. I REALLY don’t like that. She went on to compound that by being stupid to the point of embarrassment for someone who seems to think she’s qualified after two whole terms in Congress for the most important job in the entire world. So it’s safe to say I won’t be voting for her in the primary, if that is what you are really getting at.
As to Perry, I really don’t know yet. He has a substantial, if flawed, record. They all do in one way or another. An EO with an opt-out provision is not, to me, a disqualifier. Some other issues that I have to research further might do that. But, since the only child of mine, now an adult, is an Army vet who’s talking about going back into the Reserves, it’s important to me that we have a highly qualified CinC, and on that score I would trust Perry making decisions affecting my child.
I never have sought perfection in elected officials, just their best efforts on behalf of their constituents.
I hope that answers your questions.