Gov. Rick Perry’s announcement this afternoon that he will not seek another term in office has created an outpouring of reactions from Texas politicians on both sides of the aisle.
KUT News is compiling those reactions, primarily from the Texas politicians Perry’s announcement is affecting deeply – those seeking higher office.
Many consider Attorney General Greg Abbott the Republican frontrunner in the governor's race in 2014.
Thanks to @GovernorPerry for his service & conservative leadership! #GodBlessTexas #tcot #txlege #txgop
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 8, 2013
In a statement released this afternoon, Abbott elaborated:
"It has been a tremendous honor to work alongside Governor Rick Perry to help lead the great State of Texas. As Governor, Rick Perry has fought for lower taxes, less regulation and more job creation – all of which have helped Texas claim the best business climate in the nation. Along the way, Governor Perry has kept Washington in check, working to block an intrusive federal government from meddling in our personal lives and preventing the heavy-hand of government from stifling small businesses in Texas. Our work together is not done, and over the next year and a half, we will continue our work to keep Texas the very best state for attracting jobs, raising families and advancing freedom."
Sen. Dan Patrick, a candidate in the race for lieutenant governor in 2014, touted strong Republican polling numbers despite Perry's retirement.
Perry just announced will not seek re- election. Still ahead in polls of other Rs & significantly ahead of any D.
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) July 8, 2013
Current Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson - another lieutenant governor candidate - commended Perry's leadership and service.
Thank you @GovernorPerry for your years of service & leadership in Texas. #RickPerry #txlege
— Jerry Patterson (@Patterson4TX) July 8, 2013
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, yet another candidate for the lieutenant governor’s chair, said in a statement this afternoon:
Thank you @GovernorPerry for your years of strong conservative leadership for Texas!
— Todd Staples (@Todd_Staples) July 8, 2013
He added:
"I have fought on the frontlines with Governor Perry to help create jobs, cut taxes, and stop federal overreach. If Texas is to remain the envy of the nation, we need strong conservative leaders like him in the future that will fight back against Obama and his liberal allies in Texas. Janet and I want to thank Governor Perry for his leadership and wish him and Anita the best of luck in the future."
U.S. Senator John Cornyn released a statement congratulating Perry on his service and said their work together is not done:
“It has been a tremendous honor to work alongside Governor Rick Perry to help lead the great State of Texas. As Governor, Rick Perry has fought for lower taxes, less regulation and more job creation – all of which have helped Texas claim the best business climate in the nation. Along the way, Governor Perry has kept Washington in check, working to block an intrusive federal government from meddling in our personal lives and preventing the heavy-hand of government from stifling small businesses in Texas. Our work together is not done, and over the next year and a half, we will continue our work to keep Texas the very best state for attracting jobs, raising families and advancing freedom.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz congratulated the governor on Twitter:
Many thanks to @GovernorPerry for your leadership and for helping make Texas the envy of the nation.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) July 8, 2013
San Antonio State Representative Mike Villarreal wished Gov. Perry the best of luck in his political future, but in a statement said that his legacy may be clouded.
I usually disagree with the Governor several times per day, but I appreciate his love of Texas and wish him the best of luck. #rickperry
— Mike Villarreal (@MikeVillarreal) July 8, 2013
"I usually disagree with the Governor several times per day, but I appreciate his love of Texas and wish him the best of luck. Unfortunately, his legacy will be one of cutting education funding, pushing more testing into our classrooms, and promoting issues that divide Texans rather than bringing us together."
Son of Jeb Bush and Texas Land Commissioner candidate George P. Bush emphasized Perry's insistence that "Texas works."
Thank you @GovernorPerry for your distinguished service and continued conservative leadership in ATX #TexasWorks
— George P. Bush (@georgepbush) July 8, 2013
In a semi-bipartisan statement, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro agreed with Perry that San Antonio is a model for prosperity.
I commend Gov. Perry on his years of dedicated public service. We agree that San Antonio is a great model of American economic prosperity.
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) July 8, 2013
The Texas Public Policy Foundation — long-time political supporters of the governor — released a statement this afternoon praising the governor's achievements:
“In 2000, Governor Rick Perry took over a Lone Star State that was doing well, but not exceptionally well versus the other big states,” said Foundation President and CEO Brooke Rollins, “When he steps down in 2015, he will leave behind a Texas that has surpassed the other 49 states in nearly every metric of prosperity — from jobs created, to immigrants from other states, to businesses relocating, and beyond. Under Rick Perry, liberty proved its case and the American Dream came to live in Texas. That's a legacy of pride — and it is the enduring accomplishment of a true freedom-loving Texas patriot.”
Rep. Jason Villalba of Dallas wished the governor the best
"Governor Perry has been a tremendous leader for our state for more than a decade, particularly in promoting economic policies that encourage innovation and benefit hard-working Texans who seek to turn sweat-equity into a successful life for themselves and their families. Texans have benefited from his dedication to bringing jobs to our state, growing the economy, and improving the quality-of-life for all Texans."
Thank you @GovernorPerry for your service. A special thanks for signing my 150th in seniority lotto ball. pic.twitter.com/E29AC8CIMj
— Jason Villalba (@JasonVillalba) July 8, 2013
