What's the political universe saying about the Texas governor as he enters the Republican race? CultureMap's gathered the best, the worst and the weirdest Rick Perry references for your convenience.

 
•  Off the Kuff, Into the Headlines [New York Times/Texas Tribune]

"Gov. Rick Perry has been tripped up by off-the-cuff remarks before, and it’s clear from his “treason” comment about Ben Bernanke that he still has not learned to watch his words."

 
•  Does Rick Perry have a porn problem? [Slate]

"Here's an interesting tidbit from Rick Perry's past to keep an eye on. In the mid-1990s, the presidential candidate owned stock in a video rental store chain whose hardcore porn offerings drew the ire of conservative groups."

 
•  Just an Ordinary Overacheiver in Paint Creek [New York Times/Texas Tribune]

"Growing up in Paint Creek, Rick Perry was just like everybody else, his hometown friends say, except that he did everything better."

 
•  Rick Perry: Middle Income Americans Don't Pay Enough Income Taxes [Forbes]

"Governor Perry’s dismay raises some questions about the potential tax policy implications. Does he want to raise taxes on lower-income elderly people — by far the largest category of lucky duckies? Does he want to raise income taxes on the bottom 50% of taxpayers? If so, wouldn’t that trickle up to raises taxes on most if not all of the middle class? How does that square with his pledge to never ever raise taxes?"

 
•  Why Rick Perry is a Strong Candidate [CNN]

"If his political record in Texas is any indication — elected governor three times in a big and diverse state, and against "establishment" insurgents within the GOP (e.g., Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison) — it looks like the new front-runner within the GOP will be a Texas governor once again."

 
•  Is Rick Perry Short on Political Allies? [Washington Post]

"(Sen. John) Cornyn’s decided lack of enthusiasm for Perry is perhaps understandable then. But it also points to the potential problems that Perry may have in reaching beyond the Tea Party base. Having railed against the “establishment” in the GOP, he may find it difficult to now turn around to solicit their support."

 
•  The Deep Aggie Roots of Would-Be President Rick Perry [Time]

"For those who share his cultural past, if not his political persuasions, Perry is sending a clear message, easily understood by a select but global group of insiders. That 'Howdy' is akin to a password. The thumbs up a shared signal of determination. Translation: 'I am a proud Texas Aggie.' "

 
•  Rick Perry vs. the Tea Party [Mother Jones]

"Why Texas activists think their governor is all hat and no cattle when it comes to shrinking government."