(news release)
In Full Page Ad in 41 Texas Newspapers, Back to Basics Demands Rick Perry Face the People of Texas.
Ad confronts Perry’s cowardly refusal to debate publicly, and to acknowledge record-setting $21 billion budget shortfall. (Austin, Texas)
Today, Back to Basics PAC is running a full-page ad in 41 newspapers across Texas, calling out Rick Perry for his cowardly refusal both to face voters in an open debate and to acknowledge that Texas is facing the worst budget crisis in recent memory. Seeing an urgent need for Perry to address our state’s budget crisis and his stubborn refusal to do so, Back to Basics has nearly doubled the number of newspapers of its run of the now infamous “Coward” ad.
As recently as Sunday, Perry was missing in action during a public gubernatorial debate. Back to Basics agrees with the many Texans who believe that Perry is simply afraid to answer questions about his dismal and costly 10-year career as governor. Following recent reports that Perry has accepted millions from political appointees to critical state agencies and corporate recipients of tax-payer funded grants, Texans are demanding that Perry, a 25-year career politician, be held accountable. In the new ad, entitled “Face Us”, Back to Basic outlines the implications of the anticipated $21 billion budget shortfall by describing how it will affect the lives of ordinary Texans. Last year, Perry covered his budget shortfall using $16 billion of President Barack Obama’s federal stimulus money. This time, Perry will not have stimulus money to cover the funding gap. Back to Basics has revamped a previously released website, http://www.PerryIsACoward.com, to feature in full the “Face Us” print ad. Additionally, Back to Basics PAC released the following statement:
“Rick Perry again proved what a coward he is by stiffing Texans and skipping out of Sunday’s gubernatorial debate. With a looming $21 billion budget deficit and the recent scandals showing Perry’s willingness to sell out our state government to campaign donors, it’s no wonder he’s afraid to face the people of Texas. “Texans are tired of long-time career politicians like Rick Perry, who hides from voters in his $10,000 per month, taxpayer-funded rental mansion, and refuses to be held accountable for his record. We encourage voters to get the facts for themselves at http://www.PerryIsACoward.com.”
Mary Benton Media 
Rick Perry doesn’t want to be on the same stage as Bill White because he wouldn’t have anyone to pull his foot out of his mouth when asked specific questions regarding Texas and his leadership role. He spouts ‘specifics’ in a manner that isn’t challenging. If he were challenged, he would have to admit to the shortcomings of his administration.
Personally, I think a public debate should be a mandate by Texas Voters. Afterall, we are the ones chosing the next Governor! But instead, we read ads, and note the ‘rants’ on both sides. Neither are written by the candidate, but by great copywriters who are thankful they have jobs!