WASHINGTON (CNN) – Texas Republican Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison took steps Thursday to run for governor in 2010, a move that could set up a fierce primary battle with the state's current governor.
"Texans deserve a Governor who, in the context of sound budgetary policies and low taxes, works for quality schools and universities, access to health care for our families, communities safe from crime and drugs, protection of private property rights, sensible transportation and a government that listens and responds to them," Hutchison said in a paper statement. "There's too much bitterness, too much anger, too little trust, too little consensus and too much infighting. And the tone comes from the top. Texans are looking for leadership and results."
Governor Rick Perry said in April he would run for a third term.
Papers to form Hutchison's exploratory committee were filed Thursday in Austin. In her statement, the Texas senior senator stressed she was "not yet a candidate" as there were "friends, community and business leaders" that she wanted to consult with before formally announcing her candidacy. Hutchison, who was re-elected to her Senate seat in 2006, did not indicate whether or not she would resign should she pursue a gubernatorial bid.
From CNN Politics
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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!!!
With Democrats fully in control in Washington Hutchingson may as well try her hand at the state level. All the best Governor-to-be!!
Is she singing?
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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!!!
Kay Bailey is Rick Perry in a dress.
The mayor of Houston would make a great governor. I hope he runs.
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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Um, you need to change your post to read Republicans as being unelectable. I think you've been drinking again.
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.
As a Texas liberal wing-nut I would vote for her over Perry.
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_."
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.
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.