Having given this a little more thought, the spectre of an indictment hanging over Perry's head likely will derail his ability to gain the GOP nomination for 2016. For the Dems, that will be mission accomplished.
Fair or not, most voters will not bother themselves to learn the facts. The media will cry, "Indictment. Indictment. Indictment!" At every future press conference, Perry will be hammered with loaded questions about being indicted. This is a political takedown, pure and simple. And it's a real shame. There are plenty of bonafide crooks in our political system. Perry isn't one of them. By all accounts, he has been a fine public servant; always considered to be a good and decent man. One might not share his politics, but that shouldn't lead to the politics of personal destruction.
I am confident Perry will clear his name of any wrongdoing, but the media will lovingly drive a stake through his heart. A truly good man is being destroyed for sport. It will be interesting to see which politicians step forward to defend Perry, if any.