Texas Gov to Newspapers: Drop Dead

(AP) Texas Gov. Rick Perry isn't asking newspaper editorial boards for their endorsements as he vies for a third term in office. In fact, he won't even meet with them.

The Republican governor told The Associated Press that he decided before the March primaries that it was a waste of time to seek newspaper endorsements. After winning by 20 percentage points, he says he sees no reason to change strategies in his race against Democrat Bill White.

Editorial boards have responded to Perry's decision with fury. They say he's doing a disservice to Texas voters by keeping the news media at a distance and trying to maintain strict control over his message.

White said Tuesday that Perry's "handlers are afraid of what he'll say unscripted."