Perry Ducks Out the Back

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a GOP presidential candidate, darted in and out of Concord for a quick meet-and-greet with Republican lawmakers and other political powerbrokers on Thursday, at the exclusive Capital Club at O’s on South Main Street.

No one strolling Downtown Concord actually saw the governor because he slipped in and out of the club from the back entrance, according to sources. While Concord was not listed on his public schedule of events sent around to members of the press, there were rumors he would be at O's around 3 p.m. Perry reportedly gave a quick stump speech, shook hands and spoke with the people in attendance, like former U.S. Sen. Gordon Humphrey and his wife Patty, Franklin Mayor Ken Merrifield, and a number of Republican lawmakers.

Earlier in the afternoon, Perry toured Epoch Homes in Pembroke and made a campaign stop at Popovers in Portsmouth, .

The Capital Club is a “members only” establishment located next the new O’s Restaurant on South Main Street in the Capitol Commons building. It costs $1,000 for an initiation fee and another $1,000 annually to be a member. According to its website, the Capital Club was “founded in the tradition of fine, private, social clubs around the world” and “provides a premier destination, unparalleled service, and invaluable personal and business networking.”