Perry’s sunny beach . . .

Texas is currently experiencing a record cold-wave and ice storm which has killed at least 6 people and brought rolling power blackouts. Texas parents, public officials, business owners and managers are all struggling to keep homes and businesses warm. Meanwhile, Rick Perry is in California meeting with deep-pocket Republican donors and right-wing opinion leaders. 

Perry was paying so little attention to the ice storm during his five day trip to California that his own press release misstated the reason for the rolling blackouts saying it was the result of high demand when, in fact, the problem was a reduction in the power supply. (Austin American-Statesman, 2/3/2011)

So, why would Rick Perry, who almost always reads the political winds accurately, abandon his state during a major weather catastrophe? Don’t worry. Perry hasn’t lost his political instincts. It’s just that Texas is now in Rick Perry’s rear view mirror. He’s reading national rather than Texas political tea leaves.

Matt Angle

Lone Star Project