“This from a Texan who voted not for him but against his opponents twice.”
That is the point. Besides the fact that Perry simulates conservatism in a more convincing manner, you -could- bring yourself to vote for him, as minimally acceptable compared to the Democrat. For many, Romney is just entirely too phony. Many have described Perry as an opportunist. Personally, I regard Romney as far worse than that. He comes across to me as a willful and determined saboteur, ideologically, and as a vicious, grandiose malefactor as an individual. I -could- vote for Perry against Obama. I will vote “Other” if it is between Romney and Obama.
As a Texan, do you think there is anything to the rumors of Perry being gay in such a way that could be used against him in the general election?