Perry makes stop at local hotspot

Texas Gov. Rick Perry spoke Tuesday at George's Restaurant and Catering to an audience of more than 80, and behind the helm of Perry's local campaign were several Baylor students and alumni helping to coordinate the event.

While enjoying the venue's jalapeño-poppers and other edibles, the crowd heard Perry speak on topics ranging from private property rights to health care. Perry said this visit to Waco was part of his new grass-roots campaign effort, which was inspired by some of the strategies of President Barack Obama.

Perry, elected to the office in 2000, will be running as the incumbent against Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in the gubernatorial election in November.

Behind the scenes of the event was Baylor alumnus Jonathon McClellan, who now works as Regional Field Director of Central Texas for Perry in Austin. McClellan said it was nice to be able to come down to Waco again.

"It feels good to be a part of the campaign," McClellan said.

Also working the event was Flower Mound senior Brooks Allen, a volunteer leadership chair and field representative for the Waco area in Perry's campaign.

"I started out just wanting an avenue to learn more and get more involved politically," Allen said. "I wanted to find a way to get more knowledge of things other than textbooks -- actual field experience."

Allen said he has been able to interact with Perry and that it has been exciting getting to work on his campaign.

"In political science class you spend a lot of time learning about different political campaigns, but getting to actually see the inside of one, and work with it and see the ups and downs, it's been fun," Allen said.

Allen said he goes out and speaks to students and members of the Waco community about

Perry's campaign and encourages to students to get out and vote.

"Most college students aren't registered to vote, or aren't registered to vote here," Allen said. "Our democratic process doesn't work without people getting out and voting."

Allen said he plans on staying a part of the campaign through this election.

"We will see what happens," Allen said. "I would like to involved with the legislation down in Austin, regardless of how this election goes for Gov. Perry."

In his speech at George's, Perry utilized of humor, addressing all of the hot topics while keeping the mood pretty light.

Toby Walker, a Waco local, attended the event and said she left satisfied.

"It's neat every time you see him," Walker said. "He's got a great sense of humor."

Perry concluded the event by emphasizing to audience members the importance of getting involved in the political process, which he said, was an integral part of the American society.

"Empower yourself to stand up in the public arena and not be afraid," Perry said. "If there are enough of us who are willing to do this, our country will not fail."