Rick Perry

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Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks during The Family Leadership Summit, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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** FILE ** Texas Gov. Rick Perry delivers a speech to nearly 300 in attendance at the 2014 RedState Gathering, Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, in Fort Worth, Texas. (Associated Press)

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Rick Perry has been governor of Texas since Dec. 21, 2000, when his predecessor stepped down to move into the White House. (Associated Press)

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National Edition News cover for July 15, 2014 - Perry unlikely to fade into a Western sunset: FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2013, file photo, Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks to reporters at a news conference at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim, Calif. As he weighs whether to run for president again, Perry returned Nov. 7, 2013, to this leadoff presidential caucus state for the first time since his flame out during his first White House bid last year. His arrival was much more muted than before. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)

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Texas Gov. Rick Perry is using his final months in office to generate national headlines, whether it is a photo op with President Obama, taking on a U.S. senator over his Iraq policy or delivering a popular speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference. (Associated Press Photographs)