FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Editorial writers slam Perry for sprinting from questions
Perry’s handlers in full damage control mode after Perry’s disastrous gaffes
DALLAS — The National Conference of Editorial Writers today slammed Rick Perry for giving a scripted stump speech then running away from questions.
The chair of the organization, Tom Waseleski, posted a letter this afternoon saying the writers were "stunned and disappointed" and highlighted the fact that Perry ran to TV cameras despite claiming his schedule was too packed for questions.
"A room full of informed questioners is career politician Rick Perry’s worst nightmare. His handlers are in full damage control after weeks of Perry failing to keep his story straight on the $18 billion budget crisis," said Katy Bacon, campaign spokesperson. "This 25-year incumbent knows that he has no excuse for his fiscal mismanagement and is hoping to avoid more gaffes."
Rick Perry has refused to answer tough questions at debates and newspaper editorial boards.
Rick Perry yesterday suggested legislators providing budget estimates were using a "crystal ball" or a "Ouija board," and has given other bizarre, erratic answers about the fiscal facts facing the state. An updated timeline of Perry’s bizarre, erratic budget comments is available at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/37935446/Rick-Perry-s-Bizarre-Erratic-Budget-Comments-updated-9-22.
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Contact:
Katy Bacon
press@billwhitefortexas.com
713.659.9000
http://www.ncew.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=govperry
Letter to Gov. Rick Perry
September 23, 2010
Dear Gov. Perry:
The National Conference of Editorial Writers was stunned and disappointed today when you spoke at our luncheon and did not take questions.
Had it been due to a tight schedule, we would have understood. But, clearly, you had ample time to work the room by shaking hands both before and after your talk. You also gave an extended interview before TV cameras in the hallway, in full view of NCEW members for whom you indicated you had no more time.
This is an affront to any notion of civil discourse, such as the kind you have called for on other occasions.
We believe you and your staff have been disingenuous in the characterization of your schedule. If you had hoped to make a positive impression on this national press group, I must tell you that you utterly failed.
Sincerely,
Tom Waseleski
NCEW President