A little History (from memory, not Google.) After the Civil War Texas Governor was appointed by Yankees so Texas, over time, set up a system where power was laid in the legislature not the Governors office. I think that's why Texas Gov's usually lasted one term. Perry was an exception as noted by Shawn Endersen's article above. read more
Analysis: A short history of Perry’s surprisingly long political career Rick Perry has become the unsinkable Molly Brown of Texas politics — seemingly at the end of his career time after time, and now on his way to the biggest government job of his career. read more
Rick Perry served 14 years as the governor of Texas. He ran for president twice. But it was 48 seconds on Nov. 9, 2011, that will forever define his brief time as a national figure. read more