An unusually high level of interest surrounds this year’s midterm elections – and the gubernatorial race in Texas is no different.

The race for Texas governor pits two highly qualified individuals against each other in a race that will likely be closer than Texas gubernatorial elections in years past.

Incumbent governor Rick Perry brings experience as Texas’ longest-serving executive. Perry has held office since 2000, when Gov. George Bush resigned to become President of the United States.

Challenger Bill White also brings executive experience as the former mayor of Houston. White also has experience at the national level after serving as deputy secretary of energy under President Bill Clinton.

Both men bring unique talents and ideas to the table. However, Gov. Perry has shown leadership qualities that Texas needs as the state continues to position itself as a major player on the world stage. We endorse Gov. Rick Perry as the candidate best qualified to lead Texas as the nation undergoes a time of transition.

As the U.S. struggles to recover from one of the worst recessions in the last century, Texas has emerged from the downturn in a strong position. A study from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a non-profit research organization, found Texas has created 129,000 jobs in the last year. In turn; conversely California has lost 112,000 jobs.

In July, CNBC named Texas the best state in the nation for business. Texas is also home to 64 Fortune 500 companies, more than any other state. Perry has initiated numerous tax cuts and policies that support business growth.

The position of Texas governor is a purposefully weak position, so to say Texas’ economic strength is totally due to Perry’s policies would be incorrect. However, Perry’s business-friendly rhetoric undoubtedly has played a role in making Texas the economic powerhouse it is today. Texas’ governor must be a figurehead, and Perry has been a great spokesman for the state.

Perry also has promoted a level of fiscal responsibility the state needs. Texas, like most states, is suffering from a serious budget shortfall. Perry has ruled out tax increases as a means for addressing the state’s budget woes and emphasizes the state will balance its budget in accordance with its no-deficit-spending amendment.

Perry also has shown a determination to secure Texas’ border with Mexico. Perry has championed $110 million in state resources for border security, all the while imploring the federal government for more assistance in securing the border.

Perry is by no means the perfect candidate. In his time as governor, Texas’ public education system has suffered. However, Perry has shown a commitment to improving Texas’ education system internally, without the aid of federal dollars. He has also championed legislation to ensure more tax dollars go directly to the classroom.

Perry is a consummate politician. His decision not to participate in any public debates with the other candidates for governor, while perceived by some as cowardice, was actually a shrewd political move. Politics is a game, Perry plays it well.

Texas is one of the best places in the nation to call home. In order to maintain that distinction, Texas needs strong leadership now and in the future. We believe Gov. Perry has and will continue to provide that leadership.