Wednesday, October 17, 2007

RUDY GIULIANI, FRED THOMPSON

Another Texan Disagrees With Perry on Rudy Giuliani

Texas Governor Rick Perry's endorsement of Rudy Giuliani is not being greeted warmly by the state's Land Commissioner. Of course, that figure, Jerry Patterson, is state co-chair for Fred Thompson, so he probably wouldn't be expected to let out a Texas-sized "hurrah."

Perhaps the most interesting element of the critique is Patterson's suggestion that the Perry endorsement won't count for much, as the governor was reelected with only 39 percent in the last election (it was a four way race).

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson today criticized Governor Perry's recent endorsement of former Mayor Rudy Guliani for President. Patterson is the Texas co-chair for Tennessee senator Fred Thompson. 

"Texans supporting the Mayor of New York City?  Get a rope," said Patterson, mocking a well-known salsa commercial.  "Texans would rather support a larger-than-life, strong-willed, plainspoken conservative senator with a history of doing what is right for his country and the experience to match."

"Fred is the real deal.  He's the only conservative with a chance in 2008 and he's gonna win Texas," Patterson said.

Patterson points to Thompson's established record as an advocate for individual rights, smaller government and the Second Amendment as qualities that will endear him to Texas voters.

"Like fellow Tennessean Davy Crockett, Fred Thompson will 'be sure he's right - then go ahead'," said Patterson.  "Fred Thompson is right for Texas and right for America."

Patterson also said Thompson is reminiscent of another actor that ran for President and won Texas.

"Fred is the New Gipper," said Patterson. "The quiet coalition of conservative, blue-collar democrats and middle-america voters who supported Ronald Reagan are waiting for the chance to return to the 'days of yesteryear'.  Fred will win this coalition and he will win Texas, with or without the support of an unpopular governor."

"With all due respect, Governor Perry's endorsement is all hat and no cattle," said Patterson.  "He has no base to offer a national campaign. He only got 39% in his last election."

"Heck, even I got 600,000 more votes than he did in 2006," Patterson added.

"I'm confused," said Patterson. "Why would the most conservative governor in Texas history endorse a pro choice, rabidly anti Second Amendment, former New York City mayor who supported Democrat Mario Cuomo over Republican George Pataki for governor of New York?"

"Perry is the same governor who upstaged Arnold in California with a message that Republicans need to return to their conservative roots if they expect to win elections." Patterson said, "I guess the red meat he was serving in California was "rare" as opposed to "well done".

"What happened to Republicans using conservative principles as the first measure of who to support for elected office?" Patterson asked.

10/17 02:34 PMShare