We need Molly Ivins more than ever with Governor 'Good Hair' Perry set to announce Saturday

[flpoljunkie]

August 8, 2011
Rick Perry to Make Clear He Intends to Run

By JEFF ZELENY

DES MOINES — Gov. Rick Perry of Texas is preparing to make clear his intentions to join the Republican presidential race, two associates said, by visiting South Carolina and New Hampshire on Saturday — the same day several of his potential rivals are taking part in the Iowa Straw Poll.

Mr. Perry, who has been inching closer to declaring his candidacy for weeks, is expected to stop short of making a formal announcement. But appearing before Republican crowds in the two early-voting states was intended to clear up any lingering questions about his plans.

Henry Barbour, a member of the Republican National Committee from Mississippi, has been among the party leaders visiting Austin in recent weeks to urge Mr. Perry to run.

“Governor Perry is authentic, a truth-teller and a job-creating machine in Texas,” said Mr. Barbour, whose uncle is Mississippi’s Republican governor, Haley Barbour. “And it sure helps to come from a big donor state like Texas, if you are going to run for president. He will be able to raise the money to compete with Romney.”

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/08/rick-perry-to-make-clear-he-intends-to-run/?hp