Hubris, thy name is Rick Perry.

In belatedly and grumblingly agreeing to accept federal stimulus money, Gov. Helmethair claims that a state with about 7 percent of the U.S. population created 80 percent of the new jobs in the U.S. last year (PDF).

Even for Little Ricky, that looks like an ego-filled boast.

Since the Dallas Federal Reserve says Texas unemployment could break 8 percent by the end of this year, Texas could be falling deeper into recession as other states start to recover.

Hey, Little Ricky, looking to run on that against Kay Bailey Cheerleader?

Update: Yet more reasons for Rick to shut his yap:

The job losses are already piling up here in Tejas.

Unemployment up to 6.4 percent in January, up 2 full percentage points from a year ago. The Texas Workforce Commission revised 2008 job creation downward some 60,000 jobs, or 40 percent, below original estimates. Here’s more:

“It’s a significant loss,” said Tom Pauken, chairman of the commission. “I don’t think we’re going to see job growth through the rest of the year unless something dramatic happens.”

January was the third consecutive month with job losses.