Notable & Quotable: CA gov fends off criticism with predictable maturity

Texas Gov. Rick Perry hasn't been shy about his support for the business community or his pride for Texas and its pro-business atmosphere. This week, Gov. Perry is running a new radio ad on California's airwaves to encourage companies, workers and their families to consider a move to the Lone Star State.

"Building a business is tough, but I hear building a business in California is next to impossible," he says in the 30-second spot. "This is Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and I have a message for California businesses: come check out Texas. There are plenty of reasons Texas has been named the best state for doing business for eight years running. Visit TexasWideOpenForBusiness.com, and see why our low taxes, sensible regulations and fair legal system are just the thing to get your business moving to Texas."

(Image: State of Texas)

While most people would think Perry's business recruitment efforts in California are newsworthy, California's Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown is downplaying the implications as only a mature liberal politician could.  When reporters asked for reaction from Brown, he quipped:

“It’s not a serious story, guys. It’s not a burp. It’s barely a fart.”

Brown went on to dismiss Perry's ad as "the smallest entry into the media market" of California.  "If they want to get in the game, let them spend $25 million on radio and television.  Then I'll take them seriously," Brown added.

Brown might want to take it a bit more seriously.  According to Census data, about 100,000 more people moved away from California in 2011 than relocated to the Golden State.  Where were most of them headed?

Oh, yeah.  TEXAS.

The Census Bureau calculates that the most popular destination is Texas (58,992), a state that is luring California companies. That’s followed by Arizona (49,635), Nevada (40,114), Washington (38,421) and Oregon (34,214).

Aaaaaaand because I'm as mature as Jerry Brown, check out my own super special video response after the jump...