CNN

This will be good theater – the hand-picked stooge of Bush versus the know-it-all in panty hose!!!

The sad part about this whole thing is that Texas is really not that bad!! i am actually ver y suprised that it wasnt a battle ground state!! we are not that conservative down here!! REpublican lost in MAjor cities like Dallas, Austin, and all of the border states

Don't mess with Texas patience! The radical left-wing democrats might as well pack it in because Texans will never give up the second amendment.

Retired Army in San Antonio:

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY, YOU ARE TALKING LIKE SARA PALIN...................................

i really dont care for NEITHER of them, but i am all about supporting SMART WOMEN!!!!!!!!! not sarah Palin, but SMART women!

Besides i am ready to TURN TEXAS BLUE!!!! and having her for Governor makes us one step closer!!!!

That means TURN BABY TURN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IMO both of these people are a disgrace to the state of Texas. Rick Perry has sold us out with his Texas Corridor (and resulting NAFTA jSuperhighway )and Sen. Hutchison is a strong amnesty proponent. We need people like Congressmen Ron Paul, John Culberson, and Ted Poe to run for governor and people need to be open to voting for a third party candidate. As Lou Dobbs likes to say "these two parties are simply different wings of the same bird."
As for the person who says "Let them have Texas" I've got news for you.
Whatever happens here, is going to happen everywhere.

To Steve and Mike Mundy:

Dan Patrick is an ignorant, racist buffoon.

It doesn't take a whole lot of thought to rail on AM radio, but it does take considerable thought to try to fix the myriad of serious problems facing state government.

There are smart, thoughtful Republicans in Texas who would make a better Governor than either Goodhair or KBH. House Education Chair Rob Eissler for one.

Whatever, let Hutch and Perry duke it out.

Bill White, Mayor of Houston will take the Dem nomination and beat either of them, after beating Kinky in the Dem primary.

Seriously, no one on this thread has done any research on this, right?

Texans deserve a better choice than between Gov. Perry and Sen. Baily Hutchenson. This lovely Senator of ours was recently in Alaska and publically offered to find a way to make sure Mr. Stevens could continue serving in the Senate if reelected, despite his felony conviction.

Neither of these politicians are what Texas needs going forward. They are both highly ineffective in public office and represent a very small slice of the electorate politically. But maybe we deserve them...

Doesn't sound like much good ever comes out of Texas does it.

Yea, she is the last thing we need here in Texas. She is Bush/Delay in drag. And she certainly isn't a Ann Richards. Now that was a governor!!!!!

Hutchinson and Cornyn were nowhere to be found during Hurricane Ike. Then again they have been awol for the past 8 years atleast. This state is in the toilet education wise, tax wise, healthcare wise – you name it. Its time to clean house or just give the state back to Mexico. Heck, half of mexico is here anyway.

I guess some liberals true colors are showing – They don't like women.

Who cares. She never thought about being Governor before. Now that Hillary came close to the presidency and Barack won, we're going to see women and minorities come out of the woodwork. That's good for Dems, but not rethugs. The party of Sarah Failin and George Stupid W. Bush.

Could be very interesting. There's nothing like a "good old, keep it in the family" brawl. Kinda like Christmas, when the black sheep Uncle shows up>

Perry couldn't even get a plurality of the votes in 2006. Had it not been for Carole Keeton McLellan Rylander Strayhorn, Ricky Boy would've lost back then. It's time for Governor Goodhair to take a cushy lobbying post with his buddies over at Cintra.

MICK from MESA : Our economy is still doing well down here in the LoneStar State. Of course when all the folks from the rest of the country flock to Texas like they did in the 80's it might slow us down a bit. Point is Texas can function rather well with out the other states, but I don't think yall (purposely written) can make it without us.
I'm certainly willing to give it a try though.

Hutchinson, Palin and Cheney all need to go on a hunting trip together -
May the best man win!

Hint: Their isn't a one in the bunch!

The Democrats won't win in Texas because they have no guts. I'm a Democrat and embarrased by the goffiness of our party in Texas. I spent plenty of time in Austin back when Kinky was more sincere and less sarcastic. He and the granny cost the democrats the last race for Gov. by being there. I sent my money to Barack because he wasn't afraid to take on the big fight. Get a decent democratic ticket and I'd send money and travel for the TX Gov. race too.

Seriously, if McCain wanted a woman to be his VP, he should have picked Hutchinson instead of Gov. Bimbo McMoosekiller from Alaska. Although not a republican, anybody would be better than Rick Perry. But just to make one more point, a TX governor never does anything and doesn't have much power... just look at President Bush.

I FEEL SO SAD FOR THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS IN GENERAL. BUSH IS COMING BACK TO DALLAS AND KAY BARNES PLANS TO COME BACK TO...WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT FOR THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS...
IT IS THE SADDEST DAY FOR THE TEXANS

Anti gay Hutchinson would not make a better governor than any other anti gay Republican sitting in that seat. Perry is always out of the country doing goodness knows what. He created a great deal of anxiety among Texas landowners when he pushed the trans Texas corrider idea which would have been built by a company from another country (Spain I believe) and he would have allowed that company to build gas stations and convenient stores at the prime exit locations. What an idiotic idea. It's no wonder it was cancelled. Republican Texans finally stood with their Democratic brothers to stop this governor from slash and burning our beautiful Texas countryside.

Kays one of those good ole boy republicans who protected the oil companies with huge subsidies and even had ethenol band from being processed for our fuel supply. Remember biowillie ....no longer around thanks to kay. She reminds me of someone who still lives in the 50s just like bush You can run my dog Tex for govenor as long as he is a republican he would win. I hope Kinky runs again we need someone to stand up for Texas

Bah...who cares whether the Republicans are fighting amongst themselves? They're a bunch of diarrhea-mouthed retards. Hopefully this just means that a Dem might win hehe

America can quickly fix all the problems that TX and it's politicos have brought us – Give it back to Mexico.

Instantly there would be no more illegals, drug thugs, repugs, hard core evangelicals or Bush's...

In the picture, she is doing karaoke. Can anyone guess what song she's singing?

Yellow Dog of Texas?

This lady at least sounds like a fighting chance.

Ther you go CNN I make a comment about Kay going for it we need to get rid of the Bush-Perry effect and you keep it under moderation. How long does it take to moniter a comment or is just me your blackballing eI didn't like who you were pushing for President.

I can't beleive there are so many 1 issue voters out there without looking at the whole record of a candidate. It really does an injustice to the person running who may agree with your point of view on many, many other things.

Dan Patrick for Governor.........

At least she can write a complete sentence! Even if she loses, I think SHE is the next voice of the Republican party, not the beauty contestant.

The rest of the country is moving away from creationist Republicans and poor Texas is still stuck in a very deep GOP rut.

A republician to replace a republician. I don't think so, the nation need a wonderful democrat. The End.

I hope Houston's mayor, Bill White, runs for governor. Kay Bailey is a good lady but she's part of the DC mess. Mayor White has done more positive things for Houston than any mayor in a long, long time. Plus...he met three hurricanes head-on and got help to the people who needed it most. He stepped up and provided solid, well-grounded leadership.....the kind of leadership Texas has not had in a long, long time.

Kinky is the reason Perry is still Governor. I hope he sits this one out.

I can't say Kay is exactly my favorite- I had high hopes for her when she first went to Washington. I met with her when she was first preparing to run and was trying to garner support from other elected officials in the DFW area. She had so much potential, but then she kind of fell into step with Bush these last 8 years, and had really disappointed me. BUT, I have seen some glimmers of hope from her the last 5-6 months, so maybe she has "seen the light".

Bottom line, she would HAVE to better than the pretty boy do-nothing chair warmer we've got in Austin right now. So, yeah, Kay... give old Rick a run for his money (you've got more than him anyway). I think you can beat him.

You have to love the non-Texas ignorance floating around... not to mention the one sided BIGOTS that seem to blame all issues on the Republican Party.

If you have no affilation in Texas or do not know her personally, just be quiet and let the big state people talk now.

I live in Texas. Texas will get the type of leadership that mirrors most of its values.

Ignorance
Vice
Racism
Sexism
Backwards thinking (at least a century behind)

The only thing that keeps this state solvent is the uber billions that flow through here from energy (blood money). Just like Alaska, Texas is run by the oil men, any idiot with a pulse could be governor (Look at the last two).

I will be voting for Kay when she runs, even though I usually lean to the liberal side, she's a very good person and extremely intelligent. Why McCain chose Palin over her is mind-boggling.

Rick Perry is good lookin', but his politics are AWFUL.

So, Hutchison thinks Texans deserve "access to health care", etc. Of course, everyone already has access to health care now, if they have enough money. That's the problem she won't even acknowledge - almost 50 million people don't have health insurance because the industry charges about 5 times more than it costs to maximize profits. Some can't afford it and many that have insurance are denied care when they need it most, and again, always to maximize profits for the CEO. We need a system that provides health care for all and we only pay for health care, not insurance industry profits.

Don't vote for Hutchison - she will never abandon the failed Republican ideology that says markets are always good even though they don't work at all for the things that all people depend on to live because of the greed factor.

As a texan i'd have to know her stance on the trans-texas corridor, if she's against it, then i'd be for her, if not, then neither would have my vote.

The reason KBH wasn't picked as John McCain's running mate is because the Democratic machine would have tied her to Bush so fast it would have made your head spin. She would not have helped him...

Great – let the Republicans duke it out.
My question is, when does her senate term end? Would this mean an open seat?

Tyler: The governor of Texas ISN'T a powerful office. It's a figurehead office, with the real power resting in the Lt, Givernor's hands. The only REAL power the Gov. has in Texas is the Line Item Veto. Go do some studying, and you'll see I'm right.

That being said, KBH is just another Washington Republicrat. It's time to look for new answers from people outside the Beltway.

Man!!! I haven't seen this much competition since Teddy Roosevelt went at it with William Howard Taft...but they both lost to Woodrow Wilson, LOL!!

Cool stuff!!

Oh now here's a woman of great integrity. When Clinton was caught lying about Monica, Hutchinson claimed it was perjury and warranted a full investigation. When Scooty Libby was caught lying in the Plame affair, Hutchinson decried his prosecution for a "technicality" - a little lie.

Translation: when it's about a Democrat, bring out all the guns you can; when it's about a Republican, yawn, wave of the hand, "nothing to see here, people, keep moving..."

Hutchinson = hypocrite.

Thank God!!! Anyone would be better than Gov. Crooked Rick Perry. If only Strayhorn hadn't run the last go around we might have Kinky Friedman serving as governor of the Great State of Texas! Remember: He ain't Kinky, he's my Governor! Perry, while he has laid claim to the economic success in the state while others are experiencing more of a downturn, he can't claim to have created that business climate. I'm just disgusted at his attempts to ram the Trans-Texas Corridor down our throats and giving it all away to foreign companies. Plus, the guy is living in a rental property costing taxpayers tens of thousands per month while the Governor's Mansion is being remodeled. Guess we're gonna pay rent a little longer since the arsonist threw a match to Perry's temporary home. I like Sen. Hutchison, even though I tend to vote Dem, she'd be better than Perry who only rode in on then-Gov. Bush's coattails. Maybe Bush and Perry can both take up residence elsewhere come Jan. 20th!

Perry isn't going to run again. He's just saying he is so he doesn't end up a lame-duck Governor this session. It's his desperate attempt to stay relevant.

I can easily imagine why Hutchinson would want to move to the state house. Being a Republican in the Senate for the next few years is not likely to be any fun. And if the economy turns around and the Democrats find an Hispanic candidate to run against her in 2012, her re-election to the Senate is far from certain.

But this is still a major "in your face" move by one Republican against another. There must be more to the story. I hope that CNN will do some in-depth investigative journalism here and find out what is going on.

Please Kay, don't do it! We Repubs cannot afford for you to give up your seat to possibly be filled my a Dem. Somebody up there has to keep a rein on all those crazy Dems up there!! Say it ain't so!!!!

KBH sounds an awful lot like KGB. Didn't Grampy McCain't talk a lot about the KGB during the campaign? Oh that's right! It was supposed to be a joke (kinda like the stupid bear joke, DNA and pork barrel spending). Just another joke like the rest of the Republican party perhaps? Consider yourself warned!

Why didn't McCain pick Hutchinson if he wanted to choose a woman?

I hope she runs... Perry is an idiot and part of the Republican Culture of Corruption. Time to him to get booted to the curb!

In the picture, she is doing karaoke. Can anyone guess what song she's singing?

She should have been McCain's VP pick.

Kinky in 2010!!

"Not yet a candidate . . . " HA! She will run. She's already been sending her people to meetings about local – not federal – issues. She's been trying to build up some support locally for a while now.

I voted for Obama, but I have to admit that John McCain is a real bada$$. Too bad he didn't pick a smart conservative woman to be his running mate. Someone like Kay.

Perry is a right-wing, partisan screwball. If Hutchinson can look like a progressive conservative, she'll win over a lot of Democrats.

Advice to Kay Bailey: It's the vision thing. Be positive. People are sick of Republicans.

This is the first step to take back our party. Many more will follow. The world is crashing in around us and you left wing kooks are still mesmerized with Gov. Palin. What a bunch of losers!

I support Kay. Dems are lucky McCain didn't pick her as his running mate. That might just have done it.

Perry. Hutchinson. Come on Texas, can't we do better than either of these know-nothing, blow-hards. I've never heard two people say less in 1000 words – other than, perhaps Sara Palin.

Granted the Texas governor does not have the authority to do much more than serve tea and sympathy, but we need somebody to inspire us to at least come to their tea parties.

Southern states have the highest poverty, abortion, unemployment, and crime rates. The also rank among the lowest in graduation rates and SAT scores, yet they are the most conservative and religious. Whatever your elected officials are doing is not working number don't lie. Texas is among the worst of them all which speaks volumes. Citizens of the southern states have voted themselves into oblivion. I would say I feel sorry for you but you probably wouldn't know any better.

Perry is indeed being groomed, to run for president himself ! and until then, he will do anything he has to , to stay in office, keep anyone but a republican from being govenor..SAD..would love to see a realloy good democrat run..Perry has not done enough in the time he has already been in there, except to try to turn all our highways into toll roads ! our schools and many other things, helping low income people, children to get the proper medical care etcc they need , he still hasnt helped much with..Its time for Perry to GO
Texas mom

i still say the republicans need to get rid of all their people and start over, surly they have some people with brains.

I live in Houston and Perry MUST go. He is very unpopular and won't be missed. I'd rather have a Independent run, but Kay Bailey will do. Good riddance Perry.

What does a strong, conservative, independent state like the Great State of Texas need now? A leader, who is not only a native Texan, who has been up on the Hill addressing the issues. Perry had his time. I think Senator Hutchison is a no brain joice for Texas Governor. She is the next Anne Richards, Republican style.

So I'm wondering Kathy in Indiana, but do you just wake up looking to say things that betray your character?

There are way too many people leaving comments who instead of producing constructive criticism, or some sort of insight, rely instead on disparaging some group of people based off of race, religion, or geographical location.

And yes, conservatives are just as bad about it as liberals, but at least those who aspire to be seen as the bastions of equality could put aside the easy taunt of " Who cares its _insert red state here_."

As a Texas liberal wing-nut I would vote for her over Perry.

Wasn't this the woman that many thought SHOULD HAVE BEEN the pick for McCain if he was going to go the FEMALE route.

(Guess she isn't as prety as Palin. But a hell of a lot more accomplished!)

Way to go Mac! Dimwit.

sol December 4th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

If McCain had picked Hutchison he would have alienated the conservative base of the GOP. He would not have made up in liberal votes the conservative votes he would have lost. Hutchison in the Governor's Mansion is about a close as liberals as going to get, since Democrats are virtually unelectable at this point. I don't see why she would want to downgrade, since Governor of Texas is not a particularly powerful office.
-------------------–
Um, you need to change your post to read Republicans as being unelectable. I think you've been drinking again.

A GREAT REPUBLICAN WOMEN! When all the democrats finally realize the mistake that made by voting Obama, they will thank her for the commitment she has made even in the tough times.

Texas has term limits – it's called an election. Why get rid of someone that is doing good for your state just because they have held the office for 8 years? That is pretty stupid.

On Perry, Bush left Texas in the shape that he is leaving the USA and in some regards, the World. He broke the financial back of Texas. Perry has the State going forward. But I like Hutch also. Election is a ways off. Who knows what the climate will be like with the economy going into the tank.

Do you know what some of the media in Texas calls Gov. Perry? Governor Blow Dry...ha! I sure do miss the days of Ann Richards...she was a hell of a governor, and an even better woman!

It's time for Perry to step down!

he has done nothing to be the schools in Texas. As a resident of Texas I know KBH will make the right changes.

KBH 2010

This is a good lady. I'm not a Republican but she has a good reputation and she's smart.

I like Kay Bailey Hutchison. She is intelligent and has integrity. She would make a good Governor for Texas, the state in which I live. I usullay vote Dem, but if she runs I might very well vote for her. So, "GO Kay!!!"

This is a good lady. I'm not a Republican but she has a good reputation and she's smart.

Kay, you would make an excellent Governor. I was mad that John McCain didn't make you his running mate. I voted for Obama, but as a Texan, you have my vote for Governor!

The mayor of Houston would make a great governor. I hope he runs.

Kay Bailey is Rick Perry in a dress.

GO KAY!! We are in DIRE NEED of getting Rick Perry out of that governor's seat. He does not listen to Texans, but goes with his buddies who help pad Perry's pockets. We are DISGUSTED with Perry and need some new. It would be ever better if we could get him out NOW rather than 2010!!!

Wish they would have stayed an independent country. Then we wouldn't have had to put up with an endless succession of loud-mouthed blowhards like W and Tom DeLay, as well as Bailey-Hutchison.

As a 40 year long republican who voted for Obama, Hutchinson SHOULD have been McCain's running mate. She is sooooo much brighter and intellegent than Palin will ever hope to be. She's good and good luck to her. She might beable to help Texans. The last few republican govenors seemed a bit worthless! I'm sooooo glad I voted for Obama!!! God Bless him!!

Republicans always talk all that trash about things that matter to us everyday common people. We should know by now that they DON'T care about us. It's all about the money.

Governor of Texas not a powerful office? I'll let the ignorance of that statement slide and just say the nation's going to see a lot of Rick Perry in the next ten years. Unfortunately, he's being groomed. Clinton was just the governor of Arkansas. It's a stepping stone for the ambitious. Not many Cinncinatus governors that fade away.

As a fellow Texan, I suggest neither Perry or Hutchinson for Governor. Both are a stale, so called "conservatives" (actually more like RINO = Republican In Name Only), who have been stained by the failed leadership on both state and federal levels. Thus why we lost the White House.

I HIGHLY would consider our sound minded, state senator and local talk show conservative, Dan Patrick, for Governor of our great state of Texas. Patrick puts character and principle first, before politics. Lord knows we desperately need to get back to our conservative ideals, if we have any chance of winning back the White House and other local, state and federal offices.

Is she singing?

With Democrats fully in control in Washington Hutchingson may as well try her hand at the state level. All the best Governor-to-be!!

With Senate in the Democrats hands she ought to try Governorship as she maybe able to do something fruitfull in Texas than in Washington with 41 Senators to support!!!

Kay Bailey Hutchinson could be the next Governor provided the Democrats can't field a worthy candidate. It's time for Rick Perry to go.

I am a Texan and I would not vote for either one of them. Perry hasn't done a thing for Texas but set up deals for himself and crony friends. Kay Bailey Hutchinson isn't for everyday Texans but only for business and corporations as a Republican. I emailed her many times about illegals working and she was with Bush for allowing foreign countries to own more than ten percent of any US airlines. Then ten percent is what the law says now. Hutchinson emailed back that we were in a global market. I emailed to her it has to do with our security. Texas needs a complete set of new people.

She truly is the lesser of two evils.

God!!! How I miss Molly Ivins.

I hope she wins. Rick Perry looks like a store-front mannequin and acts like one, too. Kay Bailey Hutchinson has common sense and is more along the lines of Ann Richards. The only difference is that they belonged to different parties. Big deal. So what? Look, if an elected official makes common sense, then that's all you need. I'll bet dollars to fritters that Kay Bailey Hutchinson is way closer to Ann Richards than she ever could be to Rick Perry. Deal with that, hamhocks!

From the comments, I would have to think that the next governor of Texas may just be a Democrat....

Kathy in Indiana

What a well thought out comment. I'm glad you took the time to contribute today.
Give Texas back to Mexico, how rich!!!

Perhaps after we do that, we can give Indiana back to the Native American Indians!!!!!

David Letterman, Larry Bird....hmm....anything else of significance EVER come out of Indiana?

Having a little state envy? That's okay, Texas forgives you. That's just the way we do things down around these parts, missy.

Oh trust me, this is happening all over the U.S. Illinois has one of the worst Governors there is and we will get rid of him in 2010. Hopefully he will be in jail before then, just like the former Gov. of IL.

Maybe George W. Bush could run. He's going to be in Dallas. He's just what Texas needs (deserves,)

One "Bush" BOZO for another "Bush" BOZO. Some choice. My sympathies to the people of the Great State of Texas.

BTW Michael in Houston. You have an excellent way of describing Palin.

I agree with many of the bloggers here. Hutch isn't much of an improvement over Perry except for being a woman. This state needs a good moderate Democrat for governor if anything. Most Texans resist change, but it would be so good for us. We desperately need fresh blood, modern ideas, new perspectives. Texans value their independence, but often to their detriment. When we cloister ourselves from other states and the world, cling to religion, put down the values and cultures of those not like us, then we only become more narrow-minded, make enemies, live in hypocrisy, are more isolated, and there we're less happy. Just look what happened with Bush and the efforts of his administration to spread that sort of thinking to the national and then world level. Those ideas just don't work.

Term limits for governors would be a good idea too.

I hope Bill White decided to run.

Great, let the republicans eating republicans feast continue.

sol December 4th, 2008 1:43 pm ET
"Hutchison in the Governor's Mansion is about a close as liberals as going to get, since Democrats are virtually unelectable at this point."
-----------------------------–
What are you talking about?? Hutchinson is a Republican and it is the Republicans having a hard time getting elected these days. Elizabeth Dole gets knocked out in NC, Chambliss has to go to a run-off race in GA and Franken, of all people, has kept the race close in MN. Even Texas may be turning a light shade of purple these days...

Sol, the conservative base of the GOP would have voted for McCain no matter what. Their main concern was keeping Obama out of the White House; for obvious reasons.

At this point, as a fellow Texan, anyone is better than Rick Perry. I am one who's a liberal democrat, but i sure as hell would vote for Hutchison, if that's all what it takes to remove Perry!

I like her..she is smart

I'm a Texan, & our schools are in absolute shambles & I lay it all in the lap of Rick Perry. If Kay Bailey Hutchison can offer some good ideas to fix our schools, I'll vote for her in a minute. We have corruption in every big city school district in our state with Dallas being an absolute joke having to lay teachers off because of an $84 million dollar mistake in the budget. Our kids are suffering big time. It's time for Perry to go, he's been there long enough. I agree with SAGG, why our state doesn't have term limits is beyond me.

sol said, I don't see why she would want to downgrade, since Governor of Texas is not a particularly powerful office.

Bush used the governorship of Texas as a launching pad to the White House.

I'm just sayin'....

Hutshison has done NOTHING for Texas in the Senate other than be George Bush's lacky. We in Texas distrust her and find her lack of honesty insulting. For her to consider running for Govenor in the State of Texas would be the biggest mistake she makes in her life.

Lets stop voting for career politicians. How's about that idea for change?
Texas needs to set the example, again.

As a Texan,Im tired of Republicans,they dont help me.They work for exxon,halibutan and war machine suppliers.This state just tried to takeover the whole country,or am I the only person that noticed it?

texas needs a governor to enforce border security.

Yeah she should use money from recycled GM Hummers, Tanks and SUV's to pay for the "quality" education while she lowers taxes and keeps TX among the worst paid teachers in the nation.

Republicans you guys are a laugh. I think its time for Texas to go "blue". Go democrats

Even in a state that leans heavily Republican, Perry only won with around 30% of the vote and then only because he had a fairly strong grandma running as an independent and Kinky who together took a big chunk of the votes. In Texas the Office, of Governor is weak, so Key who is weak politician is actually a good fit. Very few strong females in the Republican Party. With the exception of bird-brain-Palin, all the female Republicans are yawners. They are generally pretty faces lacking strong intelligence, lacking vision and are rearly very effective once elected.

Interesting idea.. and a rather smart move.. say she wins in 2010 and does a reasonable job, which I suspect she might.. than in 2016, with 6 years experiance as Governor and years of experiance in the Congress she can run for President.. and possibly win she would gain ALOT of independant support and possibly pull over some democrats (depending on who runs for the dems then).
Like I said a smart plan and a good one.. based on the results of this years presidential campaign in Texas it is possible a more left leaning governor has a good chance of winning.

Division in the ranks. I love it.

I agree with "Michael, Houston,Tx" and "Dee Dee Lynn" – Perry has to go, and Kay is the one who can get this state back on its feet! I don't call myself Republican, but I will definately give her my support!

You go girl!!

Who cares. I think they should give Texas back to Mexico.

Oh the hatred and nastiness that you "holier than thou" democrat spread. Your nastiness and the way your have treated the President of the United States for the past 8 years will "come home to roost". President-elect Obama better be ready for the hatred he stirred up so readily during the election!

Republican says bimbo = hate crime.
Democrat says bimbo = informed and logical description!

What a joke!

One of the best quality of a good leader is listining, understanding and responding to the people's wishes regardless of their differences in ideas. I can asure you that Senator Hutchison has those qualities. If you write to her just about anyting you could have understand that has does response quickly with very good understanding.

Some of you people leaving nasty comments are haters. Seriously, this is a news article. Maybe the least you can do is act smart and actually talk about the articles topic instead of your lame comments on how you feel about the person or the party. This country is seriously falling apart....

I think that Rick Perry should definitely go. He has done nothing but divide in Texas with stamping the hard hammer of Republican dominance in the state to get his way. I am a Republican but I think there needs to be open and compromising debate to get things done. Sen. Hutchison is a smart woman who will represent and work for the people well without having to much of a personal or political agenda. Sure she is a solid Republican but not so much so that she doesn't represent the majority of Texans well. Just as Obama does the majority of Americans right now.

sol December 4th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

............I don't see why she would want to downgrade, since Governor of Texas is not a particularly powerful office.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perhaps being a Governor isn't all that 'powerful' (at least outside the state) but it's powerful enough that she'll be selecting her senatorial replacement........

Seems she stands for the vague broad generalities that the rest of te Republicans stand for. None of which work.

This Texan wouldn't vote for her. She is another crooked politician.

Lost in Texas FOREVER December 4th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

as a person who lives in the state of Texas, the only word I have for this is YUCK!! If I had to have a choice though I'd stick with Perry, to me Kay Bailey is Tom Delay in a dress!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Personally, I'd rather see her as governor than have another Perry term. What a do-nothing governor!

Then again, I don't really like Hutchinson either......but it's time for perry to hit the road!!!

Trouble among thieves, is it?

If McCain had picked Hutchison he would have alienated the conservative base of the GOP. He would not have made up in liberal votes the conservative votes he would have lost. Hutchison in the Governor's Mansion is about a close as liberals as going to get, since Democrats are virtually unelectable at this point. I don't see why she would want to downgrade, since Governor of Texas is not a particularly powerful office.

While it's definitely time for Perry to move on, Hutchison is NOT the Republican to take his place. She voted for the bailout and has done little to help the state. Just because she's a Republican female, doesn't mean she's "the one" for the job. While I am, technically, NOT a Democrat, I vote for the PERSON and his/her ability, NOT the party!

Shes another Republican lapdog,all for big business and crap on the working people of this country.

Remember – she went against her constituents and voted for the bailout. How could you ever want someone as governor who doesn't listen to their constituents????

I think Kinky should give it a shot again! I voted for him when I was back in Texas during the last race.

Rick – Not Perry December 4th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

10 years is enough for any governor in any state. Rick Perry has been governor since replacing George Bush in 2000. It's just time for a change.
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I don't get it. Why doesn't your state have term limits for the governor, like my state of NC does? Then there'd be no question.

Here's an interesting fact: if Hutchison resigns to run, Perry appoints here successor in the Senate. If she defeats Perry, he'll be able to appoint her successor. Not that it makes any difference who makes the appointment, it'll be another stonewalling Republican either way, but it is something I doubt happens very often.

She says there is too much bitterness - and just what does she think she is spreading? It seems to me the republicans are still spreading a lot of bitterness both at their own members as well as against the democrats. They are the GOP "Gloomy, Opressive, Politics"!

who the hell cares cnn.what goes on in texas.THEY WILL SOON GET THEIR FAVORITE SON BACK.DONT WANT TO SEE HEAR FROM THESE TEXAS FOOLS ITS OVER THANK GOD.

You go Kay. I am a Democrat, but you might get my vote. Governor "Good Hair" Perry certainly won't.

And may the smarter Republican win...if there is such a thing...

Why do you print sexist comments like Thomas' ? CNN....come on! you fuel the patriarchy in this country!!!

There is no difference between Hutchinson and Gov. Goodhair (Perry). Niether one of these clowns are true conservatives, I'll vote for the first person to seal the Border.....put the National Guard down there – do something – you can't even get into a emergency room in Houston because they are full of ILLEGALS.

I can't wait to see that fight. Would George W. Bush campaign for either one? Perry was his LT gov while his middle name is Woman (so says his mother and who would know better) which Hutchinson is... So many things to wonder over for this. I hope they spend all the money get and don't get any more to run against anyone come the fall election.

Wow! It's nice to see that the Republicans are after each other instead of the Democrats but I must say I am surprised by all this.

Maybe 2010 will be a good year for us also.

As a life-long (now former) Texan, I can say with some authority that Rick Perry is an idiot. Kay Bailey, on the other hand, is not an idiot, but she is a Republican. As a democrat, I kinda like Kay. Not a lot, mind you, just kinda. I grew up with this woman as a Senator and she does okay. If Texas can't have a Dem governor, such as Ann Richards, then Kay wouldn't be too bad. Better than Perry who just loves selling Texas to Mexico.

please run...this texas democrat would vote for you

Well, this doesn't make too much sense unless she thinks Rick Perry is making her beloved Texas into a dump.

She should get out of Senate so that we can present a Texas Republican Obama, who can then challenge the Democrats in 2012. If not, there is George P. Bush, the Hispanic son of Jeb Bush. We need real leadership and another Bush up there. At least we can take a Bush anytime before a Kennedy or Clinton?

This is who McCain SHOULD have picked for VP. I'm a Democrat, and an Obama supporter, but I think a McCain-Hutchinson ticket would have done much better than with Palin, and I have a lot more respect for the abilities of Hutchinson than for Palin.

Please do run Senator....we need you! I can't stand that "good ole boy" we've had in office for 8 years. I have been a supporter of the Senator for years and look forward to her win in 2010.

Gov. Perry only won with 39% of the vote in his last election. Does he really want to risk it again? Senator Hutchison will walk all over him. Better yet, we'll get a democratic governor.

Hutchinson is just another Republican criminal. She is going to benefit financially from this move somehow. She really has no credibility and one should not believe anything she says. Neither does Perry

Kay Bailey Hutchison,

" BIMBO "

BUSH BIMBO

Maybe there's a place for her at GM recycling Hummers !

Hutchinson is just another Republican criminal. She is going to benefit financially from this move somehow. She really has no credibility and one should not believe anything she says. Neither does Perry

(Rubs hands together) This should be GOOD (for Dems, that is). Let 'em slug it out to the bitter end.....

They're fighting among themselves.

10 years is enough for any governor in any state. Rick Perry has been governor since replacing George Bush in 2000. It's just time for a change.

I like to read Hutchison's points as listed inthis article. It sounds like less fear and hate and more hope and change. Hmmmmm...

as a person who lives in the state of Texas, the only word I have for this is YUCK!! If I had to have a choice though I'd stick with Perry, to me Kay Bailey is Tom Delay in a dress!

While I am not a republican, I really do hope someone knocks off Rick Perry. He so needs to go

Hey Repub party.......................This is who you should have chose for VP if you had to have a woman. Senator Hutchison, if you run for Govenor, you got my vote, and I am registered independent leaning liberal. McCain more than likely would have won if he chose Senator Hutchison, rather than that brainless eye winking, moose hunting, joke of a person they call Palin. I really like this woman, I like what she has done, what she stands for and her vision.

Good for Texas. We deserve a hardworking Governor like Hutchingson!

Go for it Kay. Let's get rid of this Gov. Bush-Perry once and for all.

An intelligent, conservative woman. Maybe if McCain had picked her instead of the dimwit from Wasilla, he could have won the White House. Have to thank Steve Schmidt and Rick Davis for that great pick. I can only imagine what McCain and Palin would be doing right now if they had won.

No more republican governors. TX is already outsourced to Mexico. Put someone in there that will designate English as the ONLY language. When applying for a job in TX, most require the applicant to be bi-lingual. NO MORE

Kay Bailey Hutchison – One phony following a pair, Bush & Perry!!!