Over the last few days, it seems as if Governor Perry has sought to distance himself from the co-host of his prayer event, . And in a recent interview, he articulated a states' rights view on the issue of gay marriage. Is the Governor moving towards the center to appeal to moderates? How will these moves play to his conservative base? And finally - the BIG question - Will he run?
Perry May Not Speak at His Own Prayer Event, Endorsers Dropped From Website
On August 6, Governor Perry and the are co-hosting , a day of Christian prayer and fasting at Reliant Stadium in Houston. It has been the assumption of us here at Watching and Waiting that Governor Perry would have a prominent speaking role at the event. Now, , 鈥淧erry鈥檚 role is still being worked out.鈥�
So the Governor may or may not speak at his own prayer rally.
about how Perry has sought to distance himself from some of the opinions of the American Family Association, which campaigns against and other event endorsers such as . According to the Austin-American Statesman, the website for The Response featuring profiles of the individual endorsers, though the AFA is still a co-host.
Perry Says Gay Marriage is a States鈥� Rights Issue
With the recent legalization of gay marriage in New York and a challenge to prohibitions on gay marriage working its way through the federal court system, gay marriage is sure to be an issue in both the GOP primary and the general election. , Governor Perry has said while he is 鈥渁n unapologetic social conservative鈥� who is 鈥減ro traditional marriage鈥� New York鈥檚 recent decision to legalize gay marriage is 鈥淣ew York鈥檚 prerogative. 鈥�
Perry has caught some flak from other 鈥榰napologetic social conservatives鈥� including presidential candidate and former Pennsylvania senator, Rick Santorum, who .
But , Perry鈥檚 adoption of 鈥渁 10th Amendment approach to gay marriage鈥s both in keeping with the party鈥檚 defense of federalism and smart politics. 鈥�
Like distancing himself from some of the endorsers of the response, Perry鈥檚 states鈥� rights approach to gay marriage can be viewed as an effort to court more moderate GOP and independent voters.
Rick Perry Will Not Appear on Straw Poll Ballot in Iowa
For the last few weeks, a group called has been building a campaign infrastructure in Iowa. , however, GOP party leaders in Iowa have decided not to include Governor Perry鈥檚 name on the ballot for the Ames straw poll, which is scheduled for August 13. Sarah Palin, who is also undeclared, will not appear on the ballot either. Should the Governor decide to run, he will still be able to appear on the ballot for the Iowa caucuses scheduled for February 6, 2012.