Hutchison NOT Running For Governor

We Texans have been eagerly awaiting a decision by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison on whether she will run for reelection to the Senate or challenge Rick Perry for Governor. Today we got half the answer. UPDATE -- This updated story contains more information and clarifies her Senate plans.

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison announced today that she will run for a third Senate term, ending months of speculation that she would challenge Texas Gov. Rick Perry for the Republican nomination in 2006.

An e-mail distributed by Hutchison's campaign said she would make the formal announcement on June 27, when she would provide details on her decision and "why she believes it is in the best interest of Texas."

Hutchison had long been considered a likely challenger to Perry, who is seeking his second full term. He became governor in 2000, after George W. Bush resigned to become president. He was elected to a full four-year term in 2002.

Notice, the email does not say that she will seek reelection, merely that she will not challenge Perry, who will be getting a GOP challenger, our RINO Comptroller Carol Keeton Strayhorn (mother of Bush Press Secretary Scott McClellan), tomorrow.. I suspect she realized that the presence of two women running against an incumbent in the primary would make guarantee Perry's victory. Besides, Hutchison is much more useful to Texas right where she is -- if she seeks reelection.

Perry may have blown the lid off of that information already, though.

"Senator Hutchison has been a true champion for Texas in Washington, D.C., fighting for the interests of our state," Perry said. "Her decision to seek reelection is great news for Texas, and will help grow our Republican majority with her strong presence at the top of our ticket."

Personally, I am pleased by this development. It avoids a primary fight between two of the best candidates we have, ensures that we will keep the Senate seat (and probably the Governor's Mansion), and leaves John Cornyn as a viable candidate for Supreme Court.

Posted by: Greg at 05:43 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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