Mark Miner Returning to Team Perry

Gov. Rick Perry is bringing a trusted aide back into his fold, just as he makes a crucial decision about his political future, sources familiar with the hiring told The Texas Tribune.

Mark Miner, who served as Perry’s chief spokesman for his 2010 re-election campaign and his 2012 run for president, is being tapped as “senior adviser” to the governor, the sources said.

Miner’s return to Team Perry comes as the governor faces a decision about whether to launch a re-election campaign for governor or make way for his most likely successor — Attorney General Greg Abbott.

Perry recently said he would make a decision about the governor’s race by July 1. He has also signaled he could run again for president, with an announcement on that expected later in the year. Bringing Miner on board is sure to spark more speculation about Perry’s intentions for both potential races.

Miner, 47, is a veteran campaign operative and former aide to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

In 2010, Miner helped guide Perry to a resounding re-election victory over U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. It was Miner who came up with the nickname “Kay Bailout” to remind voters that Hutchison supported the $700 billion Wall Street bailout. 

Miner also worked on Perry's presidential campaign, which ended in January. Previously he served as a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore and former California gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon. Miner worked for Dewhurst at the state Capitol from 2003 to 2006.