Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Friday said he has “spent a lot of time in preparation” for a potential 2016 presidential run, despite the legal troubles he now faces in his home state.
But he has yet to make a final decision on whether or not he will give it another shot.
“Whether you've been elected governor of Texas three times and served for 12 years, it is not good enough from the standpoint of the preparation to run for the presidency of the United States,” Perry told reporters during a visit to New Hampshire.
“And I’ve spent a lot of time in preparation. That’s not to say I’ve made a decision I’m going to run. I haven’t," he added. "But the reason I don't choose to run will not be because I'm ill-prepared.”
The Republican governor’s 2012 presidential run came to a cringe-worthy end when he drew a mental blank during a televised debate. He said the campaign taught him some “humbling and frustrating lessons” and has worked hard on rebuilding his image.
His visit to New Hampshire is the first time those in the early voting state will see him since his failed run. However the visit is overshadowed by Perry’s indictment on charges of abuse of power and coercion of a public servant.
Perry has vowed to fight the charges, which he says are politically motivated. His lawyers filed a motion on Friday asking that the case against the governor be dismissed, arguing the indictment is unconstitutional.
IN-DEPTH
- Perry Doubles Down After Indictment
- Texas Governor Rick Perry Turns Himself in for Abuse-of-Power Charges
- Falling Stars: GOP's Top 2016 Hopefuls Embroiled in Scandal
-- Andrew Rafferty