Gov. Rick Perry announces he will pray to decide next step

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is calling it quits, at least as far as his governorship is concerned. The state's longest serving governor has announced that he will not run for reelection in 2014. Perry has promised to remain focused on Texas.

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SAN ANTONIO, TX (Catholic Online) - Perry announced his coming end saying, "I remain excited about the future and the challenges ahead but the time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership."

Perry has not ruled out the possibility of another presidential run. However, he diverted attention away from that consideration, saying he would focus his energy on Texas.

"I will spend the next 18 months working to create more jobs, opportunity, and innovation. I will actively lead this great state." Perry pledged to build Texas into "a strong pro-life, pro-family, pro-freedom state."

Perry's announcement comes just 18 months after he ended his previous presidential bid, a bid which saw him rise to the top of the Republican primary charts only to fall after multiple gaffes during debates. His most notorious gaffes was his pledge to cut three government agencies he said were wasteful, and then being unable to name during a follow-up question.

However, despite his gaffes, he has been much favored by Texans who praise his progress on pro-life and immigration issues, as well as creating jobs for the state.

He has also been a strongly Christian force in office, leading prayer gatherings and frequently pledging to pay for guidance. Of his current choice, Perry said he would "pray and reflect and work to determine my own future path."

The greatest criticism for some against Perry has been that state's active use of the death penalty. Texas executes more inmates than any other state and over 200 condemned inmates have been put to death under his governorship. Critics say his death-penalty stance conflicts with his pro-life credibility.

However, Perry has also supported every pro-life bill presented in the state legislature.

For now, it remains speculation to see if Perry will run for president or if he will retire from politics. At this time, Hillary Clinton, who has not announced a bid, still appears to be a favorite of the left with her image and name being branded in what analysts say is a near-certain precursor to a run.

Republicans will need a strong candidate to regain the White House in 2014, and Perry may be able to fill the role, provided he can perform a little better during the debates.

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