Defenders of Texas Gov. Rick Perry are stepping forward following his sudden indictment Friday on two felony counts of abuse-of-power charges, relating to the governor’s efforts last year to obtain the resignation of a Travis County district attorney.
“Unfortunately, there has been a sad history of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office engaging in politically-motivated prosecutions, and this latest indictment of the governor is extremely questionable. Rick Perry is a friend, he’s a man of integrity — I am proud to stand with Rick Perry.” Sen Ted Cruz said in a statement on Saturday.
“The Texas Constitution gives the governor the power to veto legislation, and a criminal indictment predicated on the exercise of his constitutional authority is, on its face, highly suspect.”
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal also spoke up Saturday.
“I stand behind Governor Perry in his fight for honest government and I am certain he will prevail in this partisan suit,” Mr. Jindal tweeted, adding in separate dispatches, “Governor Perry exercised his constitutional authority and this circus is simply a political witch-hunt.” and “The lawsuit against Governor Perry is a blatant misuse of the judicial system by liberal activists who couldn’t defeat him at the polls.”
Social media is already crowded with Mr. Perry’s defenders — and his critics as well. Hashtags like #StandwithRickPerry and #IStandwithRick are already crowded with commentary.
SEE ALSO: David Axelrod defends Rick Perry, calls indictment ‘pretty sketchy’
Mr. Perry himself is expected to make a statement in mid-afternoon on Saturday.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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