Perry to the Rescue?

Texas Gov. Rick Perry just can't seem to shut the door on a 2012 presidential run.

With conservatives aching for more choices in the approaching 2012 Republican primary, Perry declined Tuesday to rule out a White House bid during a press conference about a new anti-abortion measure. Also Tuesday, his top strategist told the Tribune that the governor is, naturally, "thinking about it" given the flattering comments made recently by some in the GOP, although he "doesn't see any change in his direction."

Perry's remarks Tuesday were similar to a statement the governor gave to reporters last week - namely, that he won't get "distracted" by talk of a presidential campaign. Perry is, after all, in the throes of the 2011 legislative session, where weighty matters like sweeping budget cuts and immigration restrictions are being considered.