14 is enough - Perry will not run for re-election

The Texas Tribune reports:

Gov. Rick Perry announced Monday that he will not run for re-election next year, creating the first open race for Texas governor since 1990 and making Attorney General Greg Abbott the instant favorite to replace him.

"I remain excited about the future and the challenges ahead, but the time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership," Perry said. "Today I am announcing I will not seek re-election as governor of Texas. I will spend the next 18 months working to create more jobs, opportunity and innovation. I will actively lead this great state."

. . . Perry made Monday’s announcement at Holt Cat, one of the largest Caterpillar equipment dealers in the United States. The CEO of the company, Peter Holt, owns the San Antonio Spurs basketball team and is a major donor (nearly $600,000 since 2000) to Perry. He’s given $95,000 to Abbott since 2002, records show.

A huge throng of media was on hand for the announcement. Perry kept a tight grip on his plans, ratcheting up the speculation to a feverish pitch. Reporters were left guessing and parsing the words sent out in a “save the date” email that indicated he would reveal some “exciting future plans.”

Perry has 18 months left in his current term, so he’ll still have a huge political megaphone, appointment power and the ability to call a 30-day special session on any topic at any time. No one watching politics in Texas will be surprised if Perry makes full use of his authority and then some during his remaining time in office.

. . . Perry, who will have been in office for more than 14 years when he departs in January 2015, leaves behind a long and colorful legacy at the helm of state government and the GOP political establishment. A former Texas House member and state agriculture commissioner, Perry was elected lieutenant governor in 1998. He became governor on Dec. 21, 2000, when George W. Bush resigned to become president. Perry is now the longest continuously serving governor in the United States and the longest-serving governor in Texas history by far.