Perry Blasts Washington On California Trip

The Associated Press reports:

Texas Gov. Rick Perry ridiculed Washington leadership Thursday on a whirlwind trip through California, positioning himself as a champion of limited government, states' rights and low taxes as he edges toward a decision on whether to enter the 2012 presidential campaign.

The Republican governor held a string of private meetings and events with members of Congress, conservative activists, CEOs and potential fundraisers who could become part of a national campaign. Perry is considering joining the wide-open GOP field and he has driven speculation that he will make a run at the White House with a busy travel schedule and attacks on Washington.

In Beverly Hills, Perry talked about the importance of states' rights and limiting the reach of Washington power in a closed-doors meeting with business leaders. Several dozen members of Orange County's Republican elite joined him later in Newport Beach, where he spoke about bringing more Hispanics into to the Republican Party and creating jobs.