Despite Limbaugh, Gov. Perry Still Says No to 2012

After conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh said on his show this week that Texas Governor Rick Perry has the "potential to light this up," referring to the lackluster GOP presidential field, the reluctant best hope with the Limbaugh-styled “great hair” stood fast on his most recent denial of any intent to run, according to a startelegram.com report.

Perry’s last word was that he has no interest in running for president and predicted that a strong candidate will emerge at some point to challenge Obama.

"The governor has repeatedly said he's not running for president," Perry spokesman Mark Miner said recently. "That position has not changed."

Despite the roar of denial from the Perry camp, RealClearPolitics reported this week that Perry aides were discreetly making inquiries on Perry's behalf in advance of the 2012 presidential race.

Perry has also been making like a candidate -- with showings at major Republican events, including a speech in Dallas Tuesday at the Republican National Committee's state chairmen's meeting.

Then there is his timely book “Fed Up,” touting his themes of limited government and state sovereignty.

Name recognition in early caucus and primary states might still be an issue. "I don't think he would pass the 'who's that' test among most New Hampshire voters," says Dante Scala, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire.