Perry Faces Tougher Race After Debate, Florida Poll

by Jay Root

Texas Tribune

September 27, 2011


Gov. Rick Perry’s meteoric rise to the top of the Republican field last month led many observers to conclude that the Texas governor would waltz to his party’s presidential nomination.

It’s looking more like a grind dance now.

What’s clear after Orlando — an awful debate performance and a humbling loss in the Florida Straw Poll — is that Perry needs to get some rest, step up his game in nationally televised debates and give better and more substantive answers on issues his base cares about deeply.

“He needs to regroup,â€