Perry’s Departure

Earlier today, Rick Perry announced that he will give up his attempt to win the Republican nomination and that he endorses Newt Gingrich. Perry decided to withdraw at a time when his numbers are, without exaggeration, far below what we expected them to be when he entered the race. I considered Perry to be my first choice from the moment that he entered the race. His record of job creation, low taxes, and consistent policies would have been an excellent contrast to draw with President Obama. But Perry failed to introduce himself to the American people as a job creator and after the first two debates an image of someone who simply wasn’t ready for the big stage had been established. I still believe that, out of all the contenders for the Republican nomination, Rick Perry would have been the most competent President. But as he said himself, after his initial stumble it was hard to see a viable path to the nomination.

I wish Governor Perry well and congratulate Texas on the continued service of an excellent governor.

Out of the remaining candidates I don’t have a clear preference that is set in stone. I am comfortable with nominating either Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich while I have my objections to Santorum.