Perry has a knack for winning

William McKenzie:

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Here, then, are a few things his GOP opponents need to know about Texas' governor:

Most of all, don't underestimate his ability to win.

Since his days at Texas A&M University, Perry has known how to prevail. In the early 1970s, he won election as a yell leader. Those are the guys you see in white outfits doing contorted cheers during Aggie games.

Back then, yell leaders were about as big-men-on-campus as you got. A&M was made up largely of boys - and a few girls - from small towns and rural communities. The campus was a far cry from today's cosmopolitan school. In that cauldron, Perry forged an ability to outmaneuver others that continues to this day.

Remarkably, he has won every one of his political races. He started out in 1985 as a Democratic state rep, rising to state agriculture commissioner, lieutenant governor, governor and, now, likely presidential candidate.

Mitt Romney and crew need to especially understand that 1990 ag commissioner race. Perry had been a Democrat from a staunchly Democratic farm community, but he saw Texas turning Republican. Enticed by GOP recruiters, he cut his ties to West Texas Democrats and smoked out the populist Democratic agriculture commissioner, Jim Hightower.

Ever since, Perry has followed the political winds and used his fierce Republicanism to beat all foes. Just ask John Sharp, the popular Democrat he defeated for lieutenant governor in 1998. Or gubernatorial opponents Kay Bailey Hutchison, Bill White and Tony Sanchez, to whom he laid waste over the last decade. Even at Perry's lowest ebb, when he drew only 39 percent in his 2006 gubernatorial re-election campaign, he still outfoxed a four-person field.

Simple, the man has a nose for winning built into his leading-man looks. Some might deride him as Gov. Good Hair, but he's used that mane and handsome face to his advantage, just as Ronald Reagan did.

So, again, GOP candidates beware. Rick Perry will be the hardest-nosed campaigner you've faced.

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He suggest there are some policy matters where Perry can be challenged. They are unlikely to be a factor because Perry is a master of attack, turning an opponents perceived strength into a liability. He can run a tough campaign if he chooses to do so.