Perry Defends Ceremonial Bill Signings

Gov. Rick Perry is defending his travel around the state to ceremonially sign bills that have already become law.

His defense comes in the wake of criticism from his 2010 Republican primary opponent, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Perry was in an Austin Target department store on Thursday to ceremonially sign a bill that allowed for school supplies to be part of the upcoming tax-free weekend.

Hutchison's campaign questioned Wednesday how much taxpayer money is being spent for Perry's travel to Dallas and elsewhere in the state for ceremonial bill signings.

Perry said Thursday that part of being governor is going out and telling Texans what's available to them.

He said some "would like for me to go home and be quiet and not say much." He says those "are going to have a hard time doing it."