View full sizeIn this Oct. 18, 2011 file photo, Republican presidential candidates former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, left, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, make their points during a Republican presidential debate in Las Vegas. Perry won't commit to upcoming GOP presidential debates after a couple of recent rocky performances pulled him down in national polls. AUSTIN, Texas -- Rick Perry may skip some upcoming GOP presidential debates, sidestepping a campaign staple that hasn't been kind to the Texas governor in his first two months on the national stage. It's a decision that ultimately could cause other Republicans to bow out of the more than half-dozen face-offs scheduled between now and the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3.
Perry does plan to participate in a Nov. 9 debate at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. -- his sixth -- but he hasn't committed to any others beyond that as political advisers hunker down to determine how best to proceed.
He's juggling fundraising and retail campaigning with only two months before the first votes in the Republican nomination fight are cast.
"We haven't said no, but we're looking at each debate," campaign spokesman Mark Miner said Thursday. "There are numerous -- 15, 16, 17 -- debates, and we're taking a look at each one and we're making the appropriate consideration."
"'"Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney also has not committed to debating beyond Michigan. His campaign has made debate commitments on a case-by-case basis depending on how each fits his schedule and strategy.
For Perry, who is not nearly as well-known as Romney, there's more to it than time management.
As he reboots his fledgling campaign, Perry clearly also is trying to reintroduce himself to the nation on his own terms. After a couple of recent rocky debate performances hurt his poll standings, he's returning to the play-it-safe strategy he successfully employed in running three times for governor of Texas.
''Perry has long conceded he's not a strong debater, and he contends that his up-close charisma and ability to take a more personalized message directly to voters is the key to his success.