The big news from Texas this past week is that Rick Perry has opted not to be governor for life. He will not run again in 2014, which has fueled speculation that he might run for the presidency in 2016, as well as who will replace him.
In his 12 years as governor he seems to have transformed what had been a weak office into one with real power. The traditional story told in Texas politics is that real power lies with the Lieutenant Governor, mostly because of the control that office has over the Texas Senate. But few people would argue that Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst is more powerful than Governor Perry.
I want you to address whether in fact Governor Perry has strengthened the governor's office, and if so, how. What are the factors that make the Texas governor powerful? What factors limit it? Be sure to address whether Perry's strength is mostly due to his longevity in office.
Use this post below as a starting point, but do your own research to answer the question.
150 words at a minimum - thanks.
