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Texas' 2nd Special Session Gives Rick Perry More Time to Decide His Future

Gov. Perry had signaled that he would make his decision about the 2014 governor’s race known by July 1. But that turned out to be the day the next 30-day special session begins.

No one should be surprised if Gov. Rick Perry doesn't reveal his next political move as soon as planned.

After Democrats blocked a restrictive abortion bill in the waning days of the first special session, Perry announced that he would call another.

Besides putting the abortion bill back on the agenda, he added the other two items that failed during the first called session — including transportation funding and a juvenile justice measure prosecutors say is needed to establish sentencing guidelines for 17-year-olds who commit capital murder.

The move to bring lawmakers back yet again comes amid growing speculation that Perry is on the verge of announcing his retirement from statewide politics — thereby making Attorney Greg Abbott the instant favorite to replace him.

Perry had signaled that he would make his decision about the 2014 governor’s race known by July 1. But that turned out to be the day the next 30-day special session will begin. Governors like to have as much leverage as possible when lawmakers are in session, and Perry may conclude that being a lame duck would reduce his influence.

At a meeting of anti-abortion activists in Dallas last week, Perry said he would be too tied up with the new session to worry about his political future.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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