Gov. Perry says he'll run again in 2010

GRAPEVINE -- Gov. Rick Perry, after speaking Thursday at a forum held by the Republican Governor's Association, told reporters that he plans on running for re-election in 2010.

When Perry was asked if he could foresee himself, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison all on the ballot in 2010, Perry said he knew that he would be on the ballot.

"I don't know about the other two," Perry said. "You need to ask them."

Asked specifically if he was going to run for re-election, Perry said, "Yes."

During a news conference with other Republican governors, Perry also said that if Republican presidential hopeful John McCain asked him to be his running mate, Perry would refuse.

Hutchison released a statement signaling she has not ruled out running against Perry.

"I am encouraged by the growing number of Texans asking me to return home to run for governor to provide leadership for our state," Hutchison said. "It is too early to make an announcement about the 2010 race. Right now, I remain committed to serving the people of Texas in the United States Senate and helping our Republican candidates win crucial elections this fall."

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie quickly released a statement on Perry's announcement.

"Given the current State of the State after five years of absolute and failed Republican rule, there's no reason to think Governor Perry's record would earn him more than the 39 percent he received in 2006," Richie said, referring to the support Perry received in a four-way race two years ago.

Perry made the comments after holding a news conference about the presidential race with five other Republican governors: Sarah Palin of Alaska, Sonny Perdue of Georgia, Linda Lingle of Hawaii, Matt Blunt of Missouri and Jim Gibbons of Nevada.

Asked if any of them would refuse if asked by Sen. McCain to be his running mate, three raised their hands: Perry, Lingle and Gibbons.

"I don't want to go to Washington, D.C. I've got a great job," Perry said. "Being the governor of Texas is a great job."

When asked why she wouldn't consider the position, Lingle said simply, "I live in Hawaii."

The governors focused their comments on why they believe McCain is far better on economic issues than either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

Perry mocked both of the Democratic presidential candidates, comparing their campaigns to reality television.

"If anyone has the right to be bitter, I would say it's Democratic supporters who have been watching this almost endless parade - an episode of 'Survivor, the Democratic primary' - as it devours millions of dollars and frankly destroys goodwill among voters," Perry said.

"We would rather pay attention to Senator McCain's insightful proposals such as middle-class tax cuts, simpler tax code, the elimination of pork-barrel spending," Perry said.

Noting that Obama has advocated raising the capital gains tax, Perry said, "You're listening to someone who is preparing to dismantle our economy."

Riffing on Clinton's recent false statements regarding sniper fire in Bosnia, Perry quipped, "As a statesman who has actually encountered gunfire, Senator McCain is offering straight talk on the economy and it's working."

Perry also addressed concerns that conservatives aren't crazy about the Arizona senator.

"Maybe John McCain didn't follow the absolute playbook that in our minds would have been there but when it gets down to core conservative principles, John McCain is a powerful presence on the issues of life, on the presence of economics, on the presence of this war on terror," Perry said.

After the news conference, Perry also voiced support for state House Speaker Tom Craddick, referring to wins of Craddick supporters in last month's primary.

"I think Speaker Craddick is probably stronger than he's been since he's taken office," Perry said. "You look at the elections and the results of those elections and Tom Craddick will be the speaker, and he will probably have as strong a hold of the speakership as he ever has."

Elected lieutenant governor in 1998, Perry was elevated to governor in 2000 when George W. Bush left the Governor's Mansion for the White House. He won re-election in 2002 and 2006.

In recent months, Perry has been coy about his future intentions. He has said he wasn't interested in being a vice-presidential candidate but his decision to campaign in early primary states first for former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and later for McCain fueled speculation that he was just posturing.

By the end of this year, Perry will be Texas' longest serving governor, beating out a record held by Republican Bill Clements, who served eight years.