Gearing up for his all-but-certain presidential campaign, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is set to announce more than 80 donors Thursday that will support his political action committee and potential campaign.
Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history, has quietly been gathering support from around the country to mount a second run for the White House.
“It’s very encouraging and exciting that so many influential leaders in this country are signing on to assist the Governor spread his positive vision of conservative values around the country,” said Jeff Miller, Perry’s chief political adviser.
As he neared the end of his 14-year run leading the Lone Star State in December, Perry hosted supporters, political activists, and potential donors for elegant lunches and dinners at the governor’s mansion. After playing a video recounting his successes, he spoke — making a potential pitch — about his time in Austin and vision for conservative leadership in America.
The Washington Post first reported the upcoming donor announcement. It comes as other potential 2016 candidates are beginning to hire staff and collect big donors to help finance campaigns.
In his own backyard, Perry will have to compete for money with the likes of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (brother of former Texas Governor and President George W. and son of President George H.W.), Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who last week recruited Texas GOP Chairman Steve Munisteri as an adviser.
Perry ran for president in 2012 but was unsuccessful after his late entry and some political gaffes throughout the campaign.
This time around, he’s set to compete with a stronger, more disciplined operation. He’s taking in policy briefings, working with speech coaches, and hiring seasoned staff to for a run.
Perry has also been appearing and scheduling to appear at many of the high-profile candidate events, like the Iowa Freedom Summit last month, where he made spoke openly about a White House run.
“After six years of disappointment of mediocrity and decline a slow course correction is NOT what voters are going to be looking for in 2016,” Perry said. “Now I might surprise a few of you here today, but I’ve been thinking a little about 2016. After six years of the most divisive president in our modern history I believe Americans are looking for leaders who will bring the country back together.”