AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry has used longevity and sharp elbows to control state government. His aggressive push last year to oust a damaged district attorney and insert his appointee over an anti-corruption unit was just another step in his muscular style.
A special prosecutor believes it was a step too far.
Perry, a Republican, was indicted on two felony counts accusing him of abusing his authority, and on Saturday he defiantly denounced the prosecution in a Capitol news conference.
“This indictment amounts to nothing more than an abuse of power, and I cannot, and will not, allow that to happen,” he said. “I intend to fight against those who would erode our state’s constitution and laws purely for political purposes, and I intend to win.”
Perry stayed true to an approach that has marked his tenure — he will push to get his way, and will root out those disloyal to his cause. But now the outcome — in the courtroom and among voters — carries more significance as he still has his eye on another run for president.
via Defiant Perry vows to beat ‘political’ prosecution | Dallas Morning News.