Via the DMN: Kay Bailey Hutchison edges toward governor’s run
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison filed papers today establishing an exploratory committee to run for Texas governor in 2010.The filing clears the way for Ms. Hutchison to open a campaign office and begin raising money to challenge Gov. Rick Perry for the Republican nomination.
Mr. Perry has said he intends to seek re-election to the post he’s held since 2000, when he succeeded George W. Bush. Ms. Hutchison has increasingly indicated in recent months that she would challenge him.
Despite Perry’s longevity in the office, he is quite vulnerable. In 2006 he won re-election with a plurality of the vote (39.02%) and that is with a a moribund Democratic party at the state level in Texas.
Rick Perry(I) REP 1,716,792 39.02%
Chris Bell DEM 1,310,337 29.78%
James Werner LIB 26,749 0.60%
Richard “Kinky” Friedman IND 547,674 12.44%
Carole Keeton Strayhorn IND 796,851 18.11%
James “Patriot” Dillon W-I 713 0.01%
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Race Total 4,399,116
December 4th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Perry has paid way too much attention to his special business interest pals. KBH has a great shot of unseating him.
December 5th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Kay Bailey would make a good run. Many were surprised when McCain didn’t tap her as VP candidate. I think if she wants to consider any national position between now and 2020, this is a good strategic move on her part. I’m not sure, though, that she’d be the best bet against the liberal illuminati on a 2012 ticket. It’s interesting to see that gubernatorial offices are opening up cracks in the glass ceiling for women, though - more so than congressional bids, in my estimation.