To be honest, I was skeptical about Reagan, Trump, and Rick Perry.
Reagan and Trump won me over.
Perry did as Secretary of Energy, but not as Governor.
As Governor, Perry didn't do anything to stop Illegal immigration (I realize it is the Fed's job, but Abbott and a few others are at least trying).
Big donors wanted the cheap labor and he turned away from it.
He had a big land grab to build an interstate highway system that (Thank God!) fell through.
He was more conservative on other things, and I think he was fine as Secretary of Energy.
John Kennedy (Louisiana Senator, not JFK) has done well.
I guess we shall see how Gabbard turns out.