Texas Governor Rick Perry's Remarks at the Inaugural Prayer Breakfast Honoring Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal

(Gov. Perry frequently departs from prepared remarks.)

Thank you, Apostle Wooten. It is an honor to follow a man to the microphone whom so many follow to a better relationship with their Lord and Savior.

I can’t tell you how happy I am to be here in Baton Rouge this morning. I can say from personal experience how nice it is to be governor in a town with a college football national champion.

And now, this state is celebrating another victory on the national stage: luring home a man of compelling vision, uncompromising honesty and unsurpassed achievement.

Congratulations, Louisiana, on selecting Bobby Jindal as your new governor.

You know, the Army used to have the expression “we do more before 9am than most people do all day.” Bobby, you have accomplished more before age 40 than most people could achieve in three lifetimes.

You are one of the young lions in our party. Your success and that of Matt Blunt in Missouri are strong indicators that conservative values work, especially with some youthful energy behind them.

Now, Bobby, much has been made of your youth, but I see it as essential to your current and future success. I encourage you to stay focused on your vision, do what you know is right, and heed the Apostle Paul’s words to his young protégé, Timothy, recorded in the fourth chapter of his first letter to him.
 
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

This advice in verse twelve is not just relevant to young pastors; it is good for anyone who aspires to lead. Because there’s a big microscope that swings into place over your head when you dare to step out in front of the crowd.

You are certainly no stranger to attention, given your high-profile public service to date. You are on the radar screens of people all over the country and exceptionally visible to the citizens of this state.

Understand that they want more from you, their governor. Children are looking for a role model, parents want someone who will educate their children, and everyone needs a leader who will keep them safe. I am certain you can handle the scrutiny, because you already set the examples encouraged by Paul.

The example you set with your speech is one of honesty and wisdom that transforms. Your success with the Department of Health and Hospitals is proof of that.

The example of your life is one of remarkable achievement and selfless service. Your resume is longer and richer than any I’ve ever seen.

Your relationship with your beautiful family is certainly one of love. It is clear that your wife and children are your most prized constituency and must remain that way, no matter the challenges of the office.

The example of your faith is one of strength that flows from your Creator. Your humble willingness to give God the glory is no doubt pleasing to Him.

And your commitment to purity is displayed in your ethics reform plan. Your example is one that every state should follow.

Paul may have written his letter to a young pastor, but the wisdom of his counsel is clearly cemented in the foundation of your life. And the strength of that foundation will serve you well as you lead this state.

And I look forward to watching over the hedge as my new neighbor goes about his business in his new home.

Our states have a long history together. Our sons and daughters have fought our country’s wars, our farms have fed the nation, and our factories have helped drive the economy.

Just over two years ago, our respective states experienced the one-two punch of sister hurricanes that left our basements flooded, our businesses damaged and our families in shock. But, as good neighbors do, we worked together. I can still remember taking the phone call from your predecessor and listened as she shared her concerns for the people displaced by this disaster.

Because we are all human, because we’re all the same when you boil it down, because the Bible tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves, I had two words for her: send them.

And send them you did. It wouldn’t surprise me if there are people in this room today who “spent the night” at our house during that tough time.  It’s what neighbors do.

And I pledge today that Texas will be a good neighbor in the months and years to come. We may come calling for a cup of sugar and you might need to borrow the lawnmower, but our fates are bound together by geography and shared aspirations.

You and I both want to lead states where people have opportunity, freedom and security. We want our economies to thrive, our roads to hum with activity, and our families to succeed.

Governor Jindal, God clearly has His hand on your life and I believe He is about to bless your state through you…in ways that people could never have imagined.

In this moment, know that we’re praying for you. Know that we’re watching your example. And know that, when the phone rings, your neighbors in Texas will answer, ready to do what neighbors do.

I pray that God will bless you as you lead, that he will protect your family and that he will bless the great state of Louisiana.

Thank you.