I'm sure none of us could possibly have guessed this, but in case you're in the dark, let there be light: Rick Perry plans to announce his candidacy for President on Saturday. I'm sure you're shocked.
There have been some pretty clear indicators, like a brand-spanking new SuperPAC with Sacramento GOP operative Tony Russo at the helm, for example.
The group surfaced this week in an e-mail from former Perry chief of staff Mike Toomey and supporter Brint Ryan, who will work with Russo to lead the fundraising operation. It is one of seven super PACs that have been launched on behalf of Perry’s not-yet-announced presidential campaign so far, but organizers say they expect this one to easily be the biggest.
The e-mail from Toomey to potential donors that went public earlier this week quoted Toomey as saying donors should “avoid any other group claiming to be ‘the’ pro-Perry independent effort.”
Money will not be a problem. And in the primaries, his association with the New Apostolic Reformation movement might not be too much of a problem, either. Still, the general election might give him a problem if he wins the nomination, and we can expect some major heartburn over the non-stop dog whistles sure to emanate from his neck of the woods.
Rachel Maddow did a great segment last night on Perry and his particular flavor of Religious Right. It's cause for concern.
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Forrest Wilder explains the relationship between Perry and the NAR:
If they simply professed unusual beliefs, movement leaders wouldn’t be remarkable. But what makes the New Apostolic Reformation movement so potent is its growing fascination with infiltrating politics and government. The new prophets and apostles believe Christians—certain Christians—are destined to not just take “dominion” over government, but stealthily climb to the commanding heights of what they term the “Seven Mountains” of society, including the media and the arts and entertainment world. They believe they’re intended to lord over it all. As a first step, they’re leading an “army of God” to commandeer civilian government.
In Rick Perry, they may have found their vessel. And the interest appears to be mutual.
Governor Goodhair as the Anointed One?
