On one side of the question, Perry’s security needs do not go away just because he is outside of the state. Also, making a governor’s campaign pay for those expenses creates a burden that other candidates might not have. Does Texas want to make it harder for our governor to run for president?

On the other side, Perry is out of the race now and seems to have plenty of money left over. The state’s budget has been cut everywhere and other state employees have seen their travel reimbursement subject to strict rules–many of the suggested by the governor’s office.

What’s the best course?

The poll, reported in the San Antonio Express-News (Perry’s approval rating in Texas sinks – San Antonio Express“) and other Texas newspapers indicates Perry’s image took a beating in the state as he ran for president.

The Texas Tribune reports that Perry spokesperson Ray Sullivan seems to be already looking ahead to 2016: “Gov. Perry remains strongly and conservatively at the helm of Texas state government and may well run for re-election in 2014. He may also run for president again in 2016, especially if President Obama somehow wins a second term.”

Perry can make a comeback. However, it looks like his staff has not learned much from their mistakes. Perry needs to mend fences back home and talking about 2016 may not be the best way to start. The Perry campaign still doesn’t seem to think that there is a problem with their message. Don’t talk about coming out for an encore when you’ve just been booed off the stage.

Exactly how the state of Texas plans on drawing the line between “adult” entertainment suitable for “sin” taxes and other content should be interesting. I’ve suggested in the past that the pole tax is pretty arbitrary and more trouble than it’s worth.

Perry’s criticism has been read as an “attack of capitalism.” It raises the question of what capitalism actually. Perry’s now former supporter (Barry Wynn) felt wounded by Perry criticism. However, Perry’s criticism could be legitimate. Is anything done by a capitalist really capitalism?

It seems absolutely clear that Rick Perry is pro-business. How could his alleged crimes against capitalism be so heinous that a reasonable conservative would walk away based on one criticism that Perry raised? Was this a legitimate defection or the whimpering of an overly sensitive corporate raider who did not like being called out?

The rodeo became the only glamorous part of the Texas prison system and sometimes drew crowds of 20,000. In the end, the rodeo disappeared among budget cuts.

One story (“Perry Sues Over Virginia Ballot Access“) describes how the Perry campaign failed to get the signatures required to get on the ballot in Virginia and then filed suit in federal court. Apparently, the campaign was fed up with the state’s requirement to get 400 signatures from each of the 11 congressional districts and turned to the federal courts for help. This is not the best idea a states-rights candidate ever had.

A second story (“Perry Shifts His Stance on Abortion“) describes the Governor’s declaration that his opposition to abortion extends to rape and incest. Perry’s conversion may be sincere but I think voters will worry about any new position announced so close to the Iowa caucuses. You can only have so many changes of heart before your attacks on Romney as a flip-flopper generate more giggles than applause.

The Perry campaign seems to wake up in a new world everyday and has failed to project a consistent image of the candidate. Voters in Iowa might decide they like Rick Perry –if they could figure out who is really is.

As the year winds down, you might think about giving to (or investing in) the Texas Tribune. While the Tribune relies on tax-deductible donations to operate, it has turned into a great source of Texas news and data that would be worth a subscription fee. They make being an informed Texan a lot easier.

Check out their story (T-Squared: More Than 5 Million Reasons to Give) for more information.

Since the publication of the first edition 1857, the Texas Almanac has become a Texas institution by providing a remarkable collection of information on all things Texas. Whether you’re writing a textbook about Texas politics or thinking about where to do business in the state, the Almanac is indispensable. You can even look up who won state sports championships.

The Texas Historical Association provides a free online version (I was reassured by the notation: “Our records indicate that Nacogdoches currently exists”), but some us still buy a hard copy (or get one through our support of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum).

While not as widely discussed as the cover or Time or Sports Illustrated, I thought putting Willie Nelson on the cover was an interesting choice. Nelson is a great example of one of those flawed Texans that obtain legendary status. Like Sam Houston, Willie Nelson captures the Texas spirit even though his personal life has not always been a role model that Texans would point to.

My guess is that this finishes off Perry’s campaign. Perry’s claim to these generous benefits undermines his conservative message just as some Republicans were considering giving him another look. A candidate only gets a few chances to win over voters and it will be hard to make a small government pitch while living off a big government pension.

**Update**

We’re also playing Lt. Governor David Dewhurst about $410 every day that he serves as acting governor while Perry is out of the state. So far we’ve paid $32,000 for someone to replace a retired governor who is out looking for another job.

Viewing raw numbers shows that there are large numbers of people living below the poverty level in the major cities. However, that can create the impression that rural areas are relatively prosperous.

Looking at the percent below poverty level reveals that rural areas often have a higher rate of poverty.

You can click on each county and see some pretty extensive statistics on poverty in that county. It’s a great tool for thinking about public policy in Texas.