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Stumping On Immigration, Perry Trips on Voting Age

 

Stumping in NH today, Rick Perry worked to shore up his credential on immigration. But as NHPR’s Josh Rogers reports the Texas governor’s message was overshadowed by a miscue.

Rick Perry made several stops in the company of Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who is well-known for arresting illegal immigrants. But during an event at St. Anselm College, where Arpaio was greeted with some booing, Perry seemed unaware that the legal voting age is 18 not 21.

“Those of you who will be 21 by November the 12th, I am, I ask for your support and your vote. For those of you who will not I ask you to work hard, because you will inherit this.”

Perry’s miscue prompted whispers and laughter from some in the crowd. It’s the latest campaign trail gaffe for the Texas Governor, whose campaign was hurt badly when during a debate he forgot the name of the third federal agency he planned to eliminate. 

I cover campaigns, elections, and government for NHPR. Stories that attract me often explore New Hampshire’s highly participatory political culture. I am interested in how ideologies – doctrinal and applied – shape our politics. I like to learn how voters make their decisions and explore how candidates and campaigns work to persuade them.

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