Real Clear Politics' Mike Memoli asks Texas Gov. Rick Perry whether he's interested in a 2012 run.
"No. My interest is in Texas."
As for close political ally Sarah Palin:
[Perry said] she would be a "very, very talented and incredibly focused candidate" should she decide to run. But, "I think it's a bit premature for us to be proclaiming her - I'll allow her the privilege of making that decision," he added.
Since Perry's involved in what's likely to be a tough fight to win a third gubernatorial term, he can't indulge much Presidential speculation.
Earlier this year, his name appeared on a Values Voter Summit Presidential straw poll, but he asked the group to take it off (presumably, to deflect speculation).
But his most cryptic remarks came in July, when he refused to pledge that he'd serve out a third gubernatorial term.
"[That's] up to the Good Lord. I don't try to outguess Him. For me, my intention is obviously to serve out the full four years — whatever distraction might be out there."
