Current Position:Governor of Texas; Former Lt. Gov, Ag. Comm., and State Rep.
Age:61
Background:A native of the small north-central Texas town, Paint Creek, Perry originally began his political career as a Democrat but changed when the “national party left him.” Prior to elected office, Perry served in the Air Force. He was elected as a state representative, then Agriculture Commissioner, the Lt. Governor and finally Governor after George W. Bush became President. He has never lost a race.
Family:Married to Anita with two daughters, Griffin and Sydney.
Education:Texas A&M, B.S.
Religion:Grew up Methodist but became Baptist later in life.
Abortion:Perry is pro-life and opposes federal funding for elective abortions. As Governor, he has advocated for and signed many pro-life bills restricting abortion in Texas.
Budget/Spending:Perry is a staunch supporter of a balanced budget amendment and placing limits of federal expenditures. He, as Governor, used his executive veto to cut over $3 billion in spending. He has signed 5 balanced budgets.
Economy/Jobs:Perry states that Texas has created more than 40 percent of all the net new jobs in America. He credits tax cuts, balanced budgets, and an educated workforce for the explosive growth. Perry desires to do the same for America as President.
Energy:Perry believes that clean coal technology has the ability to transform American energy. He also advocates for replacing oil with natural gas, which is abundant in the United States.
Foreign Policy:Perry believes that our nation is most secure when we have the strongest economy. He believes in American exceptionalism and rejects the notion that we should apologize for America.
Guns:Perry has an A+ rating from the NRA and has taken many actions to protect the right to gun ownership in Texas.
Health Care:Perry will repeal Obamacare and instead push for state-based, free market solutions. He thinks health care should be left to the states even block-granting Medicaid back to the state.
Immigration:Perry opposes the creation of a border fence opting instead for “boots on the ground.” He opposes the DREAM Act but offers in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants meeting residency requirements in Texas.
Social Security:Perry calls Social Security a “Ponzi scheme” and a “monstrous lie.” He says it must be massively reformed for those who aren’t about to be or already are on it.
Taxes:Perry has consistently opposed a Texas state income tax. His 2010 re-election platform pushed for a reduction in property taxes.
