Perry Plans To Skip Some Presidential Debates
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Texas Governor Rick Perry could be making a huge strategy shift in his 2012 presidential campaign. He may only come face-to-face with his Republican rivals one more time.
Perry said that his biggest campaign mistake has been participating in the GOP debates against the likes of fellow candidates Mitt Romney and Michele Bachmann. So, Perry may be skipping some of those debates in the future.
According to a member of Perry's staff, it would be impossible for the Texas Governor to participate in all of the remaining Republican debates that are currently scheduled before the Iowa caucuses on January 3. There are about 18 debates pending.
Perry's staff said that he would be better using his time to talk to the voters directly. Perry has seen his popularity and poll numbers decline after shaky debate performances.
Perry is expected to participate in a debate on November 9. Beyond that, his campaign is not making any promises.
This is not an entirely new strategy for Perry and his campaign. He often skipped debates while running for Texas Governor. Perry once said that he believes debates are designed for tearing down candidates to spur fighting.
Meanwhile, Romney is taking a commanding lead in several polls. In Iowa, 24 percent of registered voters said that they favor the former Massachusetts Governor. His numbers are up to 40 percent in New Hampshire. "I think the greatest threat to my success would be President Obama," Romney said, "and I'm planning on beating him soon."
