Republicans involved in the presidential process, however, say there is very much political space for Perry in if he chooses to seek the GOP nomination in 2016 — even in a crowded field of candidates that seems certain to include a number of fresh faces and outspoken conservative darlings.

“I think he can do it,” said Bob Haus, who directed Perry’s Iowa campaign in 2012. “He learned a lot of last time and would have to start much earlier than he did in 2012. Starting earlier would give him a lot more time to debunk any critics and win people over again. He still has an incredible success story in terms of luring business to Texas and economic growth. He still has got this great story to tell.”…

“There would be a lot of interest in Perry if he runs because he has kept himself out there since that last run,” said Lin Bennett, the first vice chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party. “They are seeing what he can do. The abortion stuff, his state is doing well in job creation, and he was fighting to get the gun manufacturers to go to Texas. He is keeping himself out there and people have noticed.”

Perry has kept himself out there in other ways. Last month, he placed a call to Katon Dawson, the former chairman of his South Carolina presidential campaign.