Here at HOH, we rarely cover any state’s executive branch — recent giggles over Missouri Lt. Gov. No-Pants Pete Kinder notwithstanding.
So perhaps because we’re in Austin, Texas, this week, but more likely because we are just incredible pains in the arse, we have decided to ignore the good advice offered to Yankee reporters by this incredibly smart and well-informed Texas Monthly article.
Instead, we’ve decided to list our own nine facts about Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R), which we will be referencing when he jumps in the presidential race. Tee-hee.
1. Perry was an Aggie “yell leader” at Texas A&M University. Being a yell leader is a really big deal, but — since we’re Yankees and don’t know any better — we think it kind of sounds like a glorified cheerleader. Also, please note that makes two consecutive Texas governors who were cheerers in school. The other? George W. Bush. We know what you’re thinking: Awesome-sauce.
2. Perry killed a coyote to protect his dog while he was out for a jog. “They are some wily creatures,” he told reporters later. Perry left the coyote where he shot him because he was jogging. “He became mulch,” Perry said of the animal. The governor gardens?! How nice.
4. Journalists have nicknamed Perry Gov. Good Hair because his hair is perfect — for Texas. If and when Perry dives into the presidential race this weekend, most likely Saturday, he can no longer rest on his previous hair success. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) has a gorgeous coif, and crazy eyes aside, Rep. Michele Bachmann’s (R-Minn.) hair is only getting better with her campaign. This going to be a tough hair race for Perry.
5. Perry made noodling legal in Texas. This past June, Perry signed a law that would make killing a catfish by grabbing it by the jaw and killing it with your bare hands legal. Clearly catfish are the coyotes of the water.
6. Perry set aside three days in April for the state to pray for rain. He even signed an official proclamation about it.
7. He was once a Democrat, but he switched parties in 1989 after he realized it would never be conservative enough for him. Since being in office, Perry has found a cuddly home in his party’s right flank.
8. He was the star of a seven-hour apolitical prayer vigil Saturday called “The Response.” Why “The Response?” Probably because he keeps calling people to prayer.
Roll Call has launched a new feature, Hill Navigator, to advise congressional staffers and would-be staffers on how to manage workplace issues on Capitol Hill. Please send us your questions — anything from office etiquette, to handling awkward moments, to what happens when the work life gets too personal. Submissions will be treated anonymously.
