Just when you thought Americans have had their fill of Texas governors, Rick Perry has become a media darling since officially declaring his 2012 presidential bid earlier this month. He’s singled out as the man to beat in the Republican primaries; maybe even in next year’s general election. And the hype is not undeserved. I mean, he did beat the all-American Mitt Romney in Iowa’s Ames Straw Poll – conducted the same day Perry entered the race. And since his official debut, supporters and the opposition alike have enumerated the traits that make the Texas Republican a winnable candidate.

On Wednesday The Atlantic published an article titled “What Rick Perry Can Teach the GOP About Immigration.” In it Erica Grieder touts Perry’s “moderate record” on immigration as governor of Texas. I’ll admit that his background isn’t what I might’ve expected from a Texas politician.