Rice University political scientist Mark Jones is available to discuss tonight’s NBC News/Politico Republican presidential debate. Jones, who is the chair of political science at Rice and a fellow at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is regularly

Rice University's Mark Jones

quoted nationally about Texas politics and has been closely following Perry’s career and his run for the GOP presidential nomination. Perry, who left the campaign trail a few days ago to come back to Texas due to wildfires, is expected to attend the debate.

To speak with Jones, contact him directly at mpjones@rice.edu. For more information or to schedule the TV or radio studio, contact David Ruth, director of national media relations at Rice University, at druth@rice.edu or 713-348-6327.

Perry’s Job-Creation Funds Draw Flak From Left, Right

Rice University’s Mark Jones contributes to this Wall St. Journal story on Perry’s job creation funding program.

Excerpt:

Wall St. Journal (subscription required)
By LESLIE EATON

DALLAS—Critics on the right and the left are taking aim at Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s trademark job-creation funds as he steps up his campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination.

The funds, which dole out tax dollars to companies that launch or relocate in Texas, became controversial in the state soon after Mr. Perry persuaded the legislature to start one in 2003 and put it under his control. Mr. Perry believes the funds have contributed to job growth in Texas, which has accounted for 40% of all new jobs in the U.S. since the recession’s end in 2009, said spokesman Mark Miner. …

Texas does not limit the amount individuals can give to candidates, and links between politicians and donors have not historically swayed voters much, said Mark Jones, chairman of the political science department at Rice University in Houston. “Probably Perry is more worried about what the Republican base will think of the idea of using government money for big business,” he added.