Perry Raises Profile of South

The almost certain entrance of Texas Gov. Rick Perry into the Republican presidential campaign Saturday should enhance the South’s relevance as the battle between candidates rages. The region now has a candidate it truly considers its own, The Hill reports.

Perry’s strong southern ties – he’s a fifth generation Texan – could boost his standing in the region’s primaries.

“There is more of an affinity [in the South] with Perry than there is with Michele Bachmann or Mitt Romney or Tim Pawlenty,” Dave Woodard, a Republican consultant and professor at South Carolina’s Clemson University, told The Hill. “They don’t wear boots! They don’t play football! He’s one of us! That’s a very big deal.” 

Cal Jillson, a professor of political science at Southern Methodist University, also sees an advantage for Perry in his Texas roots. “Cultural affinity is a very powerful motivator in terms of who you listen to, who you respond to and who you ultimately vote for,” he said.