STRAW IN THE WIND – AT 8:13 A.M. ET:  There are some signs that Texas Governor Rick Perry may jump into the GOP presidential race.  Clearly, that could be a game changer, since the sheer power of Texas in GOP politics must be respected.  Is this a straw in the wind?  From The Politico:

Gov. Rick Perry will be the replacement speaker for Donald Trump at a Manhattan GOP dinner next month, officials said Tuesday – a move that comes as the Texas governor has left the door open a crack on a 2012 campaign.

“The feeling of excitement that Governor Perry will join us at the dinner and address the attendees is palpable,” said Manhattan County GOP chairman Dan Isaacs in a statement. “Governor Perry is the perfect example that we in New York should be looking to. At a time when New York ranks at or near the bottom among states in every important metric, Texas is leading the way. By focusing on keeping taxes low and fostering a fair legal and regulatory environment, Governor Perry has helped Texas attract business and residents at a time when New York has been hemorrhaging both. As a result, Texas will gain four seats during next year’s congressional reapportionment, when New York will lose two.”

COMMENT:  That's an important quote.  If Rick Perry can be linked with the word "success," especially on economic issues, he gets an immediate leg up. 

Perry has never lost an election.  On the other hand, he's never run outside Texas.  And – I'm doing this from recollection – he has a history of making extreme statements.  I'd like to see a good piece of reporting, from a reliable news outlet, going over his whole history. 

He's the buzz of the moment, joining Sarah Palin in that regard.  The buzz might shift to someone else next week.  One thing we've learned in this election cycle – people expect reasonably quick decisions on whether to run from potential candidates.  In or out.  The Hamlet act grows thin.

June 1, 2011