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Perry Set To Deliver Farewell Speech

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AUSTIN (AP) - Gov. Rick Perry is delivering a farewell address to the Texas Legislature, capping his 14-year term with a final tribute to his own accomplishments.

The longest-serving governor in Texas history leaves office just five days after his speech Thursday.

But Perry isn't exiting the national stage. He's promising to announce soon whether he'll launch an expected second presidential run.

Under Perry, Texas has led the nation in job creation and experienced economic and population booms.

But it also has America's highest rate of citizens without health insurance, and falling oil prices may crimp a state economy fueled by energy production.

Still, Perry wants Texas — and the nation — to remember him as a jobs juggernaut, hoping that can supersede memories of his short-lived 2012 presidential campaign and "oops" moment.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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