Gov. Perry: Is he planning on another term? Credit: Photo by Richard Whittaker

Has the guv given up on becoming veep?

DC insider Political Wire is reporting that “knowledgeable Republicans” are pushing for Gov. Rick Perry to take over as chief of the Republican Governors Association next year. Now this could be seen as trying to get even more cred on the national stage pre-’08 elections, but it seems unlikely they would shove heir-apparent and RGA vice-chair Matt Blunt out of the way for a short-term appointment. Instead, it seems like all the failed but attention-grabbing big policy initiatives, and attempts to get some foreign policy cred, may disappear in favor of looking more gubernatorial.

Of course, he could be trying to build up a little momentum support before facing re-election in 2010, especially since there seems to be a long-rumored candidate taking about getting into the race. Last Sunday, US Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison told The Dallas Morning News that she’s not ruled out a run at the governor’s seat in three years time. That’s got to be a primary that Perry wouldn’t want to face without some more friends at the national level.

This article appears in August 24 • 2007.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.