Sen. Hutchison Says She Won't Run for Gov.

[jravnsbo]

Sen. Hutchison Says She Won't Run for Gov. By JIM VERTUNO, Associated Press Writer

AUSTIN, Texas - U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (news, bio, voting record) announced Friday that she will run for a third Senate term, ending months of speculation that she would challenge Texas Gov. Rick Perry next year in the Republican primary.

 
An e-mail distributed by Hutchison's campaign said she would make the formal announcement on June 27, when she would provide details on "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. Perry was elected to a full four-year term in 2002.

"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 re-election is great news for Texas."

Perry had urged Hutchison to stay in the Senate, saying a brutal GOP primary in March was "not good for Texans."

Some key Texas GOP activists and donors had also privately been urging her to avoid a race that might fracture the party and give Democrats a chance to build political momentum.

Perry, who has never lost an election, had been courting religious conservatives in recent weeks in anticipation of a race with Hutchison, who is considered a moderate. Hutchison, who will likely win re-election with little opposition, is poised rise to the No. 3 position in the GOP leadership in the Senate after the 2006 election.

[Sam Spade]

This should be in Gubernatorial elections topic for whoever moderates these boards.

[Keystone Phil]

This should be in Gubernatorial elections topic for whoever moderates these boards.

Well, it does have some relevance to Congressional elections. A number of people were lining up to run since it was assumed that Hutchinson would run for Gov. I don't know if they'd have much of a chance but some candidates might still jump into the Senate race.

[Sam Spade]

This should be in Gubernatorial elections topic for whoever moderates these boards.

Well, it does have some relevance to Congressional elections. A number of people were lining up to run since it was assumed that Hutchinson would run for Gov. I don't know if they'd have much of a chance but some candidates might still jump into the Senate race.

Based on my knowledge of Texas, I'll say this:

No Republican will jump in the race to run against Hutchinson, because they know they'll lose.  The Democrats will put up a token candidate in opposition, because they know they'll lose as well.  Heck, they might not even put up a candidate with the way the Democrat party is being run in Texas.  The race is already as competitive as it's ever going to be.