Why I am supporting Rick Perry

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I've tried to always keep an open mind

Must be hard failing all the time.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Governor of Texas is a fun position.  The Texas state constitution allocates most of the administrative responsibilities to the Lt. Governor and the State Legislature, far more than any other state in the union.  Most Texas Governors are nothing more than figureheads.  Dewhurst is a rather weak Lt. Gov who Perry controlled like Putin controls Medvedev, but Perry probably had more of a direct influence on the state when Bush was Governor than he did when was Governor.

So it was Bullock who ruled Texas from 1995 to 1999?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

You know, that's one of the more ignorant complaints around given that the Texas governor does not have the power to pardon anyone unilaterally.

Technically yes, the Governor cannot pardon anyone unless he have a recommendation from the Board and all he can do unilaterally is to issue one-time 30-days reprive.

BUT, Perry, just like Bush before, controlled the Board via their appointments and surely could pressure the members if only wanted. 

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

You know, that's one of the more ignorant complaints around given that the Texas governor does not have the power to pardon anyone unilaterally.

Technically yes, the Governor cannot pardon anyone unless he have a recommendation from the Board and all he can do unilaterally is to issue one-time 30-days reprive.

BUT, Perry, just like Bush before, controlled the Board via their appointments and surely could pressure the members if only wanted. 

The entire point of the board is to be immune from pressures of the Governor.

Funny, considering the Governor appoints all members.