Former Texas governor Rick Perry launches White House bid

Washington, Jun 4: Former Texas governor Rick Perry announced today he will run for the White House, throwing his hat into a very crowded Republican presidential field following his failed run in 2012.

The conservative ex-governor kicked off his campaign with a sleek campaign website featuring a high-tempo video promising to "do right and risk the consequences." [Rick Perry indicted on felony charges]

The website touted the number of jobs created and times taxes were cut during Perry's time in office in Texas. [Is Obama planning to 'invade' Texas?]

He plans a speech later today at a small airport as part of his campaign rollout, local media reported.

Perry,65, who was the longest serving governor in Texas history, had a failed, gaffe-ridden presidential bid in 2012.

He now goes up against a long list of Republican hopefuls, none of whom are a clear front runner, polls show.

There are some 16 possible Republican candidates, and about five are bunched at the top of polls with around 10 percent support each, according to the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

Hillary Clinton is the early frontrunner in the Democratic field with no current close competition.

AFP