Hutchison won't run for Texas governor

[kskiska]

AUSTIN — U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison announced today that she will run for a third Senate term, ending months of speculation that she would challenge Texas Gov. Rick Perry for the Republican nomination in 2006.

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

(snip)

When asked about the prospects of a nasty three-way GOP primary campaign, she said: "Everyone says it would be a terrible race. I certainly am not dissuaded by the scare tactics that are being put out that, 'Oh well, we don't want a terrible race.'"

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http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/business/3230655

[pop goes the weasel]

1. Darn

That leaves the Pug-ugly primary to Perry and One Tough Grandma. I was hoping for more fireworks than that.

[rainbow4321]

2. Guess the repukes found something to offer her...

to drop out of the gov race. Wonder what it is that she will get in return? Time will tell.


http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/061805dntexkay.1cb90899.html

Ms. Hutchison, who would be expected to cruise to re-election with little opposition, could rise to the No. 3 position in the GOP leadership in the Senate, said one person familiar with her thinking said was a factor.

The senator also did not relish the prospect of a hard-fought battle with Mr. Perry, who has worked in recent weeks to shore up support among the religious conservatives who dominate the base of the GOP, the person said.

According to those familiar with her decision, Ms. Hutchison and husband Ray, a former Texas Republican Party chairman, would weigh the pros and cons each week of her entering her entering the governor's race.

In recent weeks, she had also run into opposition from some key Texas GOP activists and donors, who feared that a primary featuring two of the party's biggest stars could damage the GOP for years and create openings for Democrats.