Rick Perry leaning toward running for Texas governor again
Former Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry said in an interview with a Texas newspaper that he is leaning toward running for a fourth full term as Texas governor.
Perry is currently serving his third full term as governor of the Lone Star state. He was first elected governor in 2002, but assumed the job two years prior, after former President George W. Bush was elected president. If he runs for and is elected to a fourth term, he could serve as many as 18 years as governor of Texas, which has no term limits.
"I happen to think that being the governor of Texas, I've said many times, is the best job in the world. I still believe that,'' Perry told the Texas Tribune. When asked specifically if he is leaning toward a bid, he told the publication: "Oh sure, yeah. I think it's absolutely on the radar screen for me."
Still, he said it was "way early" for him to make a definitive decision.
"If I had to make a decision today, I'd say, yeah, absolutely, I'm going to give it consideration. But again, it's way early," he said.
The longtime Texas politician, who withdrew from the presidential race in January, also said he wouldn't rule out another bid for the White House, according to the Tribune.
Perry says he doesn't regret his recent candidacy, which started with high expectations but was peppered with memorable gaffes and ended before the South Carolina primary.
"It was fun. I had a great time," Perry said, of his time on the trail. "I would not in any form or fashion tell you I wish I hadn't done it, and I am so glad I did it."
In the meantime, Perry says he will continue to tout his message on the national stage.
"I intend to continue to be involved in the national dialogue," he said. "I'm going to continue to travel across the country."
