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Fact-checking Rick Perry, who declares he won’t run for governor in 2014

By W. Gardner Selby
July 8, 2013

Rick Perry, who has been governor since late 2000 and in statewide office since 1991, declared in San Antonio today that he’s not going to seek a fourth full term leading Texas.

Go to statesman.com for additional details.

Since our launch in 2010, we’ve checked dozens of claims by Perry, of late including statements centered on the abortion legislation awaiting consideration by the Texas Legislature. See those latest checks piled to the right, along with our check of an abortion-tied claim by Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson plus, in the spirit of Perry’s announcement, a link to his past broken promise not to run for president.

And there’s more to gander.

See Perry’s full PolitiFact report card here or see how well he’s fulfilled campaign promises on the Perry-O-Meter.

As Perry passes up another gubernatorial run, other officeholders could seek higher offices.

See Truth-O-Meter report cards for others at these links: Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst; Attorney General Greg Abbott; Patterson; Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples; and State Comptroller Susan Combs, who has said she’s not seeking a third term.

Admittedly, we’ve not checked statement by GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Pauken of Port Aransas or state Rep. Dan Branch of Dallas or Texas Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman, both of whom have been described as running for attorney general should Abbott not bid again for that office.

Finally: We’re not singling out Democrats for this story. None have announced for statewide office.

Meantime, is there a curious claim that you’ve noticed?

Our Sources

See the report cards linked from our story and the fact checks to the right.

Browse the Truth-O-Meter

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