Rick Perry on the campaign trail

Despite some stumbles in his campaign -- including what was dubbed his "oops" moment in a November debate -- many believe Texas governor Rick Perry is still a competitive candidate in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Perry, who embraced the Tea Party early on, has strong conservative credentials and enduring ties with the Republican establishment. Plus, many think he has the ability to bridge the divide between the Tea Party conservatives and mainstream Republicans.

In the following slides, CBSNews.com takes a look back on his career -- and at his recent time on the campaign trail.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry makes a cameo on "Late Night with David Letterman" to read the "Top 10 List," which pokes fun at his famous flub during the CNBC Republican presidential debate.

Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry at the CBS News/National Journal foreign policy debate at the Benjamin Johnson Arena, Nov. 12, 2011 in Spartanburg, S.C.

Perry speaks during a forum on manufacturing November 1, 2011 at Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella, Iowa.

Perry walks with Jon McClure, the CEO of ISO Poly Films on October 25, 2011 in Gray Court, South Carolina. Perry toured the factory and then highlighted a 20% flat tax and a deficit reduction plan.

Perry tapes a radio show, Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, in Concord, N.H.

Republican Presidential candidate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks at the ISO Poly Films plant, Oct. 25, 2011, in Gray Court, S.C.

Perry takes a bite of chili during a campaign stop a the Chili Festival, Oct. 1, 2011, in Manchester, N.H.

Perry speaks to local residents at the 'We the People: A First in the Nation Freedom Forum' town hall event at the One Liberty Lane Conference Center on October 1, 2011 in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Perry speaks with the media after attending a private campaign event at the Riverside Hotel on September 21, 2011 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Perry gives a closing address at a Houston prayer event that drew roughly 30,000 people on Aug. 6, 2011. Perry attended the daylong prayer rally despite criticism that the event inappropriately mixes religion and politics.

Perry signs copies of his book "Fed Up" during the 2011 Republican Leadership Conference on June 18, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 2011 Republican Leadership Conference featured keynote addresses from most of the major Republican candidates for president as well as numerous Republican leaders from across the country.

Perry arrives to address the Senate chamber during the first day of the 82nd Legislative session on January 11, 2011 in Austin, Texas. Gov. Perry returned as Texas' Governor for a third elected term and spoke to both legislative houses upon commencement.

Perry embraces his wife Anita at the Victory Texas and Republican Party of Texas election night watch party at the Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch on November 2, 2010 in Buda, Texas. Gov. Perry was elected to his third full term by defeating Democratic challenger Bill White.

Perry, left, and Fort Worth mayor Mike Moncrief, right, fire six-shooter pistols with NASCAR drivers Colin Braun and Bobby Labonte during an event on April 15, 2010 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Perry introduces former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin during a campaign rally on February 7, 2010 in Cypress, Texas. Perry was running for re-election to the governorship.

Perry casts the votes on behalf of the delegates from his state during the Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York City August 31, 2004.

Perry and former President George W. Bush listen while schoolgirl Nancy Jara reads from second lady Lynne Cheney's children's book 'America: A Patriotic Primer' during a visit to the association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans June 14, 2002, in Houston, Texas.

Then President-elect George W. Bush gets a hug from Perry, then Texas's Lieutenant Governor, following his resignation from the governorship at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas on December 21, 2000. Perry was sworn in as governor of Texas later that day.

Then Texas's Lieutenant Governor, Rick Perry speaks to the media on November 14, 2000 in Austin, Texas. Perry ultimately assumed the office of George W. Bush, who left his post as governor when he assumed the U.S. presidency.