Perry Runs Right

The mere possibility of Slick Rick versus Killer Kay B is getting a ton of national attention. The AP shows that the Governor is not as good, smart, or sly as his mentors GW Bush or Karl Rove.

"Governor Perry and his people are just not as good as Bush and Rove," Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson said. "Governor Perry knows the steps, but he's got no rhythm."

What sparked all this though? During a bill signing, Rick Perry wanted to show he was more in touch with the radical right than Kay Bailey Hutchinson.

The governor, flanked by an out-of-state televangelist and religious right leaders, signing legislation in a church school gymnasium amid shouts of "amen" from backers who just as well could have been attending a revival.

It wasn't just the blatant blend of church and state that made the gathering in Fort Worth unusual. Advance publicity also attracted about 300 angry protesters — unheard of for the routine business of ceremonial bill signings.

I think this is a great national strategy for the Republican Party, but on a statewide race it will antagonize those that disagree with you (whether they are R's or D's), it will look like a stunt, and most importantly it will piss more people off than it will win over.

Objections to Perry using a church school as a backdrop to a bill signing preceded his visit, with critics mostly focusing on separation of church and state.

"This is one of the most outrageous misuses of a house of worship for political gain that I've ever seen," said Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Washington, D.C.-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

This just screams of desperation and it is entirely called for.