Perry Says His Campaign Won’t End Despite Debate Blunder

Rick Perry is doing damage control today, but vowing to continue his campaign.

The morning after an embarrassing lapse in a Republican presidential debate, the Texas governor tells The Associated Press: "This ain't a day for quitting nothing."

In the debate, Perry said he would eliminate three federal agencies, then named the Commerce and Education departments before drawing a blank on the third.

His rivals tried to help, suggesting it might be the Environmental Protection Agency, to which Perry responded: "EPA, there you go." But when CNBC moderator John Harwood pressed him, Perry still couldn't remember the third and only later said it was the Department of Energy.

Earlier debate flubs have left donors nervous, though Perry's advisers say they already have enough cash to stay in the race through the South Carolina primary.

Asked this morning whether the blunder might force him out, Perry said: "Oh, shoot, no." He says other candidates have made similar mistakes and the episode will make him seem more human.

He's scheduled an appearance tonight on David Letterman's show.