Stumbles aside, Perry to remain a top contender Advantages outweigh setbacks October 3, 2011 Although Texas Gov. Rick Perry has been hurt by poor debate and straw-poll performances - and in recent days by associations with a racial slur - top Republican officials think he nonetheless can survive the blows and remain a major contender for the party’s presidential nomination. These party officials, whose neutrality in nomination contests requires their anonymity in discussing the candidates, have told The Washington Times that the structure of the 2012 primary race, funding advantages and weaknesses in other candidates mean Mr. Perry can hang...