Rick Perry and His Chase For Texas Donors

During his record 14 years as Texas governor, Rick Perry grew accustomed to amassing imposing election war chests. But as he considers a second run for president, he is running into stiff competition from rivals pursuing the deep pool of Republican donors in his home state.

Rick Perry, shown in Lancaster, N.H., in March, is 
considering a second run for president. 
Photo: SHANNON STAPLETON/REUTERS

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, among others, all have Lone Star State connections and are courting Texas donors, in many cases tapping the same wealthy givers that helped fuel Mr. Perry’s rise to power.

Mr. Perry’s sales pitch to donors is clouded by lingering memories of a 2012 presidential race many considered lackluster, and a sense that newer candidates may have a better shot to win the White House, according to interviews with some of Mr. Perry’s longtime backers. It is also complicated by his felony indictment last year related to a veto he issued as governor.

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“I supported him last time, but he flamed out on us,” said Darwin Deason, the Dallas founder of Affiliated Computer Services Inc., referencing Mr. Perry’s 2011 debate gaffe in which he forgot the name of one of the three federal agencies he proposed to eliminate.

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