Rendell not interested in VP spot
Governor critical of primary process
Monday, February 26, 2007
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Governor or vice president?
That's an easy choice, say two state leaders who have been talked about for a possible spot on the 2008 ticket.
"I got the best job in the world. Ask President Bush," GOP Gov. Rick Perry of Texas said yesterday, dismissing speculation he might be interested in serving as a running mate to the eventual nominee.
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat, also denied any interest in the No. 2 spot. "I like to be my own boss," Mr. Rendell said.
The two were in the capital for a National Governors Association meeting.
Texas is among several states considering moving its primary election up to have more of an influential role in the nominating process. Mr. Perry said that idea is gaining momentum back home.
"It's an interesting concept, and I certainly want to see the legislation, but it's something that I think the Legislature is full well behind," Mr. Perry said.
In 2004, Texas primary voters found themselves casting only symbolic votes in early March. Legislation would move the primary to February 2008. Several other big states, including California and Florida, also are considering a similar shift.
Mr. Rendell said the current presidential nominating system makes little sense because it does not give large, populous states enough influence.
"Pennsylvania, which is one of the two or three most important states in the general election, we have no input at all into who the nominee is. Our primary is in late April. It's a mess," he said.
The governors appeared on "Fox News Sunday."
Governor critical of primary process
Monday, February 26, 2007
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Governor or vice president?
That's an easy choice, say two state leaders who have been talked about for a possible spot on the 2008 ticket.
"I got the best job in the world. Ask President Bush," GOP Gov. Rick Perry of Texas said yesterday, dismissing speculation he might be interested in serving as a running mate to the eventual nominee.
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat, also denied any interest in the No. 2 spot. "I like to be my own boss," Mr. Rendell said.
The two were in the capital for a National Governors Association meeting.
Texas is among several states considering moving its primary election up to have more of an influential role in the nominating process. Mr. Perry said that idea is gaining momentum back home.
"It's an interesting concept, and I certainly want to see the legislation, but it's something that I think the Legislature is full well behind," Mr. Perry said.
In 2004, Texas primary voters found themselves casting only symbolic votes in early March. Legislation would move the primary to February 2008. Several other big states, including California and Florida, also are considering a similar shift.
Mr. Rendell said the current presidential nominating system makes little sense because it does not give large, populous states enough influence.
"Pennsylvania, which is one of the two or three most important states in the general election, we have no input at all into who the nominee is. Our primary is in late April. It's a mess," he said.
The governors appeared on "Fox News Sunday."
