Texas Republicans finding unity elusive at state convention

Anna M. Tinsley Fort Worth Star-Telegram

FORT WORTH, Texas -- This week was supposed to be about unifying Texas Republicans, getting everyone on the same page with the common goal of booting Democrats from office -- starting with President Barack Obama -- in November.

But it was clear from the reaction of delegates at the beginning of the state GOP convention that while they're willing to unite against Democrats, true harmony remains elusive.

The first to see that Thursday was Gov. Rick Perry, who received a standing ovation and thunderous applause but also boisterous boos at times.

"If America is to be America again, if we are to get off the mat and on our feet again, if we are to reclaim our birthright of freedom again, we need a president who believes in us again," Perry said to kick off the three-day gathering at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

During his keynote address, Perry touted Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst as an ideal "strong conservative Texan" who should be elected to the U.S. Senate -- and was booed by countless delegates who support Dewhurst's opponent, former Solicitor General Ted Cruz. Dewhurst will face Cruz in a primary runoff July 31 for the seat that Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison will leave next year.

The loud and lingering boos -- which also sounded like Cruz -- drowned out part of Perry's speech.

But Perry later brushed it off.

"Boo?" he asked. "I thought they were saying 'Dew.'"

Also preaching unity was U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, the maverick presidential candidate who draws passionate support from Republicans seeking to buck the establishment.

But Perry led the way, encouraging delegates to support presumptive presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who is not attending the convention.

"Three and a half years and nearly 100 rounds of golf into his presidency, Barack Obama has exploded the federal debt; passed a failed, budget-busting stimulus package; socialized healthcare; and provided guns to Mexican drug cartels," he said.

"Admit it, America: 2008 was our national 'oops' moment," Perry said, referring to his gaffe during a presidential debate in November.

The convention continues today and is expected to include speeches by Dewhurst, Hutchison and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Former presidential candidate Rick Santorum will be among the featured speakers at one of the convention's highlights -- the private gala banquet fundraiser, which is open to the news media this year.

Perry and Abbott

Estimates of delegates ranged from 3,500 in the morning to potentially 8,000 by afternoon, party officials said, adding that the crowd continues to grow. They expect it to reach 10,000 to 12,000 by Saturday.

Perry told delegates that Tarrant County is an ideal site for the convention because it is "where the conservative cause is the strongest and the voice of the Tea Party is the loudest."

This was the first time Perry has addressed so many Texans since withdrawing from the presidential race in January. He talked briefly about his presidential bid, referring to his time as a front-runner last year as "the most exhilarating three hours of my life" and noting that "$20 million may not earn you any delegates, but it will give you a great tour of the country."

He criticized Obama's campaign slogan -- "Forward."

"I have a different slogan for him: 'Do Over' -- because that's what he is asking for in 2012," Perry said. "But America cannot afford and deserves more than a do-over election. The stakes are high because the differences are great. Our fight is not just a difference of opinion, it is a parting of worldviews."

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