Perry to wine and dine California businesses this week
Texas Governor Rick Perry continues selling Texas to California business leaders this week. Bill Hammond of the Texas Association of Business tells KTRH California businesses should seriously consider moving here.
“California is fertile ground for bringing businesses to Texas because the legislature out there has created a hostile environment for business,” Hammond said.
Perry will be in California today and tomorrow before returning home Wednesday. Hammond says Perry is doing the right thing for Texas by being out there.
“We applaud the Governor’s activities about trying to bring business to Texas. We’re always in favor of doing that,” Hammond said.
Hammond says more businesses coming to Texas mean more job opportunities for Texans.
Some people have been annoyed by the tactics used by Governor Perry, including his radio ad that ran last week. That spot led California Governor Jerry Brown to take a shot at Perry while talking to reporters in Sacramento last week.
“You take a little radio ad and all you guys run like lapdogs to report it. It’s not a burp. It’s barely a fart,” Brown said.
Hammond says the fact that Brown made that comment actually helps Perry, and Texas.
“His comment was completely inappropriate, but we appreciate that he took the time to bring attention to the fact that Texas is open for business,” Hammond explained.
Another possible motive for Perry to be out in California would be his own political future. Perry made a failed run for the White House a year ago, and GOP strategist Matt Mackowiak says a possible second run for President could be on his mind.
“It’s helpful for fundraising if you want to seek national office. There’s no question there’s potential benefit for him if he chooses to run again for President,” Mackowiak explained.
