Hutchison jumps into TX GOV 2010
Posted: Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:18 PM by Domenico Montanaro
From NBC's Mark Murray and Domenico Montanaro
Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) has filed an exploratory committee to "begin the process of organizing a campaign for Governor of Texas."
It could be a fun GOP primary if incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Perry seeks reelection.
Perry won reelection in 2006 with 39% of the vote, in a contest that saw independent candidates garner double digits -- Carole Keeton Strayhorn, Scott McClellan's mother, got 18% and longshot singer Kinky Friedman got 12%. Democrat Chris Bell finished second with 30%.
Full statement after the jump:
"Today, I am filing an exploratory committee so I can begin the process of organizing a campaign for Governor of Texas. I am not yet a candidate, but Texas law requires this first, important step before an announcement can be made.
"I am transferring $1 million from my Federal account to this new state exploratory committee and will take further steps as they become appropriate.
"Right now, there are a lot of Texans - friends, community and business leaders, Republicans, Democrats, Independents and people who've never been in politics -- that I want to talk to before becoming a formal candidate.
"While Texas is faring somewhat better economically than many other states, a positive future is not guaranteed. It will take leaders who look ahead to meet the economic and budgetary challenges that are coming.
"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, and a government that listens and responds to them.
"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.
"I am humbled by the number of hard working Texans who have asked me to run for Governor in our state that I love so dearly. And I am honored to serve Texas in the United State Senate, protecting our state's interests and standing for our values and vision. Texans understand I put Texas first and I will continue to do so while I explore and prepare for a race for Governor of Texas."
