Perry: I oppose secession

Gov. Rick Perry (R-Tex.) penned an op-ed for the Austin American-Statesman today clarifying that he opposes secession.

“I have never advocated for secession and never will,” Perry wrote.

At an April tea party protest, Perry made national headlines by hinting that Texans might become upset enough to leave the union:

We’ve got a great union. There’s absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we’re a pretty independent lot to boot.

A few days ago, Perry re-iterated those comments.

Perry wrote today that his political opponents are mischaracterizing his comments.

“I can’t say I was surprised that critics recast my defense of federalism and fiscal discipline into advocacy for secession from the Union,” Perry wrote. “I have never advocated for secession and never will.”

Read Perry’s whole op-ed here.