Bush wouldn't sign the "Hate Crimes" legislation. Perry did.
That might seem like a "single issue" response, but to me it was HIGHLY indicative of someone who tries to govern with reference to trumped-up media polls and sensationalist headlines. ("Hate In Texas"! Films at eleven...)
I guess those of us in the Dallas area remember the "hate crime" that just happened to occur when the legislation was pending, giving it additional impetus for passage. Wasn't it swastikas painted on the church Ron Kirk attended? Funny how that story and investigation were dropped once Perry signed the bill... No outrage from the offended parties that the culprits were never caught - due in part, I think, to strong suspicions that the whole thing was an inside job.
Not that this occurence provided any excuse on Perry's part. It was stupid of him to sign that bill.