Philip Klein writes for the Washington Examiner that a Rick Perry presidential bid would send a message to Washington about respecting state governments’ proper role:
Perry would surely emphasize Texas’ strong economic performance relative to the rest of the nation in a presidential run, drawing a stark contrast between his polices and President Obama’s. But he would also focus on restoring a proper balance of power between Washington and the states.
“The framers of our constitution knew all to well what happens when distant, too powerful governments hold sway over a nation,” Perry declared during his RLC speech. “That’s why they decentralized power out of Washington, D.C., into the hands of the states.”
He later added, “Our goal is to displace the entrenched powers in Washington and to restore the rightful balance between state and federal government.” …
… With Obama claiming unprecedented federal powers (such as the idea that Washington can force all Americans to purchase government-approved health insurance), the time is ripe for the national conversation about federalism that a Perry candidacy would likely provoke.
