By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
SAN ANTONIO – Governor Perry has answered one question about his political future, but another big one remains. KERA’s Shelley Kofler is in San Antonio where Perry said he won’t see a fourth term.
In making his announcement Texas’ longest serving governor quoted the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes:
RICK PERRY: “For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven”
Now, Perry told the crowd of long time staffers and supporters, its time for him to pass the mantel of leadership when his term ends next year.
PERRY: “Today I am announcing I will not seek reelection as governor of Texas. I will spend the next 18 months working to create more jobs, opportunity, innovation. I will actively lead this great state.”
And after that? Perry would only say he’s going to pray and reflect on his path. But some of those who know him best feel sure he’s considering another run for the White House in 2016.
KATHY WALT: “Having worked for him as long as I did he’s going to give it a lot of serious thought.”
Kathy Walt, was Perry’s press secretary and communications director for 12 years.
WALT: “He’s going to talk with his wife about it because running for President is not a one person decision.”
Perry’s former chief of staff Ray Sullivan who worked in the last presidential campaign which cratered, seemed more certain he’s gearing up for a national campaign. What should he do differently this time?
SULLIVAN: “He’s learned a lot form the last campaign and I think one of the lessons is get in early, prepare early, lay the groundwork early and you’re much more likely to be successful. I think it’s fair to say he’s interested- I don’t think he’s lost the spark that lead him to the campaign the last time.”
As if laying the groundwork Perry ticked off a list of accomplishments as governor:
The creation of a million and a half Texas jobs in the past decade
No major tax hikes under his watch
Assisting Katrina victims who fled their flood ravaged state
Greater restrictions on abortion- an issue that continues to roil the capitol as he finishes out his term and leaves Texans guessing about what comes next.
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