Hundreds respond to The Response

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Hundreds of Democrats braved the heat on the South steps of the Capitol Saturday afternoon to voice their opposition to Governor Rick Perry and his potential presidential bid.

"Yes, some people are upset about Rick Perry's day of prayer, but I think you have to give credit where credit is due--really if you think about it carefully, since Rick Perry has been Governor, haven't we all had more good reason than ever to pray and pray more often?," said Representative Lloyd Doggett, speaking to the crowd.

Unlike The Response, which organizers have said was apolitical, this rally was all about politics. Even so, several ministers took part.

"It's the response to The Response," said University United Methodist Church Senior Pastor  John Elford. "It has to do with how he is basically using a very exclusive segment of Christians to support his run for the Presidency."

"It's not about prayer, we all support prayer. It's about specific prayers that exclude 2/3 of the American people," added retired pastor Richard Bates.

Others rallied because of the personal toll of state budget cuts. 

"I have been laid off, I will be out of a job as of August 31," said Caroline Wright, who lost her job with the state Historical Society. "Rick Perry talks a lot about how he's making jobs, but he's cutting jobs for a lot of people at the same time."

Wright is optimistic she will find work, but if not, she said she will fight a Perry presidential run.

"If I don't get a job, I'll certainly have lots of time to volunteer," she laughed.

Doggett, whose congressional seat is on the line because of redistricting,  also vowed to work to oppose a potential presidential run by the Governor. 

"My differences are not personal," said Doggett. "They concern policy on public education, on health, on clean air and water. We need to get that message out to America that we don't want America messed with the same way Rick Perry messed with Texas."