Rick Perry

Rick Perry is the 47th governor of the state of Texas, following in the footsteps of George W. Bush. Perry became governor following Bush's resignation to become president and was subsequently elected to the office twice by the voters.Official Site: Governor Rick Perry

Perry will be opposed by United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina in a primary for the GOP nomination for the 2010 Texas gubernatorial race.http://www.newser.com/story/82193/todays-texas-primary-a-gop-showdown.html?utm_source=9at9&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20100302

At a tea party protest demonstrating opposition to excessive government spending on April 15, 2009, participants chanted "Secede!" Reporters spoke to Governor Perry following the event. Perry explained that he understood why some Texans wanted to secede. Perry said; "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that."FOXNews.com: Says Texans May Want to Secede From Union But Probably Won't (April 15, 2009)

In April 2009 Governor Perry announced his support for legislation that would affirm the state of Texas' sovereignty under Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Perry said that the federal government has become oppressive and is interfering with the affairs of individual states.Newsroom America: Texas Gov. Reaffirms State Sovereignty (April 14, 2009)

On February 18, 2009, Perry officially accepted $17 billion in federal aid under the 2009 Stimulus Package proposed by President Obama and approved by congress. In his acceptance letter to Obama, Perry put forth some reservation in accepting the money but stated that it would only be used for programs that would not require additional federal funding when the money ran out.Dallas Morning News: Rick Perry accepts Texas' share ... (February 19, 2009)

Since being sworn in as governor in December 2000, Perry has several accomplishments under his belt. During his tenure he has proposed such programs as the Trans-Texas Corridor, revamped the state Medicaid and children's health insurance program (CHiP) and help pass a $153 billion budget in 2009. In addition, Perry signed into law a school finance reform program that simultaneously reduced school property taxes by an average of 33 percent while raising teachers' pay an average of $2,000.Office of the Governor: Rick Perry Bio