If Texas Gov. Rick Perry jumps into the presidential race this summer, his candidacy will deliver a resounding message to Washington’s power brokers: Don’t mess with the states. On Saturday, Perry gave a campaign-style speech to the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans, further fueling speculation that he was ready to enter the Republican presidential field.

Perry would surely emphasize Texas’ strong economic performance relative to the rest of the nation in a presidential run, drawing a stark contrast between his polices and President Obama’s. But he would also focus on restoring a proper balance of power between Washington and the states.