The governor’s support of new fiscal restrictions on state government has one clear effect: undercutting what conservatives achieved in the 82nd Legislature. Perry is essentially saying, “They didn’t do enough, and I will do what they should have done.” In a single stroke, he denies lawmakers credit for the most conservative session ever and makes himself the hero who fixes what they “failed” to do. As if that weren’t enough, he produces a sign-or-else loyalty oath during election time. Perry may inspire fear among some lawmakers, but this is a perfect example of why he has never had much support in the Legislature.