Texas Gov. Perry Blasts Government in New Book

Texas Gov. Rick Perry's condemnation of the federal government and championing of states' rights is moving into print with the planned publication of a book he's writing in time for this year's midterm elections.

Titled "FED UP," to be published by Little, Brown and Company, the book will put Perry even more prominently in the national spotlight; a place he's grown accustomed to lately. He will argue that federal bailouts, increased spending and an overhauled health care system are examples of how Washington, D.C., is expanding its reach, Michael Pietsch, senior vice president for the publishing company, said in an announcement Tuesday.

"Governor Rick Perry is one of the clearest thinkers in the nation on the importance of individual rights and state powers. When he speaks millions listen," Pietsch said.

Perry said the subject "will determine the very future of our nation."

"Interwoven with America's founding principles, state sovereignty as enshrined in the Bill of Rights has actively contributed to the vitality of our union," Perry said in the written announcement.

The Republican governor, running for re-election to a third full term against Democrat Bill White, recently was featured on the cover of Newsweek magazine. He also made huge waves by flirting with the subject of secession in April 2009, saying he understands why frustrated Americans may have feelings about seceding, though he stopped short of advocating it.

Perry has gotten attention for denouncing and rejecting some federal economic stimulus money, though Texas did accept billions of dollars from the stimulus package to help balance its budget last year.

The Texas Legislature is expected to face a shortfall next year that could be as large as $18 billion. Meanwhile, Perry is living in an upscale rented mansion at taxpayer expense as renovations are taking place at the fire-ravaged Texas Governor's Mansion.

White's spokeswoman, Katy Bacon, said of the book: "Texans are 'FED UP' with Rick Perry charging taxpayers $10,000 a month for an extravagant mansion and writing books to raise his national profile instead of addressing the $18 billion budget shortfall here at home."

Perry campaign spokesman Mark Miner said the subject of the book is something Perry has been addressing for a long time. He repeated the governor's stance that he has no national political aspirations, such as running for president or vice president in 2012 or beyond.

"Not at all," Miner said. "And this book is a clear indication that he believes decisions and decision-making in this country rests with the governors from both parties."

Asked how much time Perry can be expected to spend each week or month working on the book, Miner directed the question to the book's publisher, which did not immediately answer the question posed by The Associated Press. Perry's spokesman and Little, Brown and Company also declined to discuss the money Perry would be paid for writing the book.

Miner said Perry would not accept money from the project and that "an appropriate venue for the proceeds is still being reviewed."

Perry was represented in the negotiation by Texas-based literary agent Jim Hornfischer. Senior editor John Parsley will edit the book, the publishing company said.

This will be the governor's second book. He also wrote "On My Honor," a book about the values of the Boy Scouts.