Gov. Rick Perry’s consideration of presidential run reflects weakness of Republican field

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http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20110527-gov.-rick-perrys-consideration-of-presidential-run-reflects-weakness-of-republican-field.ece

AUSTIN — In saying he will consider running for president, Gov. Rick Perry reflects growing concern within the Republican Party that its field of candidates lacks anyone who can beat President Barack Obama.

Perry told reporters Friday that he’s “going to think about” seeking the White House once the Legislature adjourns next week — a departure from earlier assurances that he won’t run.

“He’s seen what everybody else has seen,” said Matthew Dowd, campaign strategist for George W. Bush. “There’s a field that’s not coalesced around anyone, that’s very unpredictable at the moment and that doesn’t have a candidate who seems to speak to a majority of the party.”

In conversations with friends in recent days, the Republican governor has complained that the GOP field is weak and hasn’t excited enthusiasm in the Republican base.

Next week, key Perry advisers and associates plan to meet in Austin to devise a campaign strategy that would put the governor into the race soon. Perry associates say his wife, Anita, wants him to run. And he is a favorite of social conservatives, who will be key in the early nominating states of Iowa and South Carolina