- The Washington Times - Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Those who may miss the campaign presence of former presidential hopeful Rick Perry are in luck. The former Texas governor will be a contender on ABC’s prime-time staple “Dancing with the Stars.” The network announced Tuesday that Mr. Perry, 66, has been paired with Emma Slater, 27, a professional ballroom dance champ who appeared on the show last year.

Her previous partner was Army National Guard Specialist Aleksander Skarlatos, one of three Americans who thwarted a possible terrorist attack on a train headed for Paris.

Mr. Perry appears ready to learn some dance skills.



“Emma Slater is a great teacher, but she’s has her work cut out for her,” he noted in a tweet Tuesday.

Mr. Perry has got competition, though. Among other contestants for Season 23: Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, who’s prowess in the pool was overshadowed by a still unresolved after-hours incident in a Rio de Janeiro gas station.

The series begin again on Sept. 12. Find the complete list of contestant here.

• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.

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