Governor of Texas looks ready to run

After months of hinting and winking, the rightwing Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, appears set to make clear this Sunday his intention to seek the Republican presidential nomination next year.

While the official word yesterday from the Perry camp remained a coy "stay tuned", there was widespread anticipation that Perry will confirm his presidential aspirations during a speech at a conservative conference in South Carolina on the day that the national party's attention was meant to be focused on the Ames Straw Poll, a traditional event in the state of Iowa that usually helps to weed out the weakest from the field of runners.

Few doubt he will move quickly towards the front of the pack to challenge the strongest runners, Mitt Romney and Tea Party darling Michele Bachmann.

- INDEPENDENT