Perry would test Romney

Rom Krasny:

Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney has been on a glide path toward the 2012 primary elections, serving up a steady diet of soundbites and campaign material attacking President Barack Obama on jobs and the economy.

The easy ride will end if Texas governor Rick Perry jumps into the Republican race -- especially since Perry has the strong record on job creation that Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, claims for himself.

While still untested, Perry is said to have cross-over appeal among Republican voters -- from social conservatives and the small government Tea Party to the mainstream business element -- that Romney lacks.

A Perry candidacy could be the first major test of Romney's 2012 bid, forcing the former venture capitalist to compete within his party and to engage on controversial issues that he has often dodged.

"Mitt Romney is running with blinders on. Perry could force him to pivot. Should all things go right for him, Rick Perry is Romney's biggest threat," said Republican strategist Ford O'Connell, chairman of the CivicForum PAC.

Democrats and some Republicans have rapped Romney for acting as if he is already his party's pick, and behaving as if he does not need to campaign heavily or to stake out his policy positions.

Last week in Los Angeles, Romney was asked about criticism from some of his fellow Republicans. He declined to be drawn into intraparty squabbles, saying that he was campaigning against Obama. In Virginia on Monday, he raised eyebrows by reportedly musing at a fund-raiser about who might be on his short-list for a running mate.

Polls have shown Romney ahead of rival Republicans. But his support has mostly been low at under 30 percent.

In fact, many see an enthusiasm gap for Romney, with Republicans keen for a more dynamic alternative with stronger conservative credentials.

He is distrusted by some conservatives for his role in creating a universal healthcare program in Massachusetts that became the model for Obama's 2010 national healthcare reform.

Perry's pugnacious style -- he told a New Hampshire newspaper this week that he "loves the give and take and the personal engagement" -- could be appealing to Republicans keen to take over the White House.

"Perry is a fighter, and a lot of people want to be enthusiastic about someone -- not just an Obama alternative," said O'Connell. "Perry is the best campaigner we have."

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Perry will challenge Romney indirectly on jobs and health care. He will also be able to make a stronger case against Obama. Romney would definitely have to pay attention to him.