Perry for President?

As the Texas edition of our book notes, Rick Perry is now the state's longest-serving governor. Associated Press reports that Perry is thinking about running about the Republican nomination for president:

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reports:

Craig Goodman, an assistant professor of political science at Texas Tech, said he too was skeptical Perry would even run, noting the governor repeatedly has said he was not interested in campaigning for the presidency.

“If politicians say they’re not going to do something, I like to believe them,” Goodman said. “He talks a lot that he’s got the best job in America being Governor of Texas.”

But if Perry does enter the race, he would likely do so as a top contender for the presidency, Goodman said.

Perry’s strengths would be in attracting grass-roots, Tea Party support in early caucus and primary states such as Iowa and South Carolina, Goodman said.

“He already has a very effective stump speech,” he said. “He’s a strong conservative voice and a tremendous fundraiser.”

Perry’s likely weakness would come in debating other candidates, Goodman said.

“There are going to be a lot of debates before the primary and he doesn’t seem to be someone who relishes the debate,” he said, referencing Perry’s past gubernatorial debates. “His performance is OK, but he never really shines.”