Aide: Hutchison plans to run for Texas governor in 2010

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5665210.html

Aide: Hutchison plans to run for Texas governor in 2010
By SUZANNE GAMBOA

WASHINGTON — Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison may be moving a step closer to
running for Texas governor.

The Corpus Christi Caller Times reported that Hutchison spokesman Matt
Mackowiak said last week that she was planning to run for governor in
2010. Hutchison has earlier said she was "considering" a run for
governor.

Mackowiak declined comment Monday when asked by The Associated Press
about the remark.

She is serving her third term, which ends in 2012, and has said it will
be her last.

Bryan Eppstein, a consultant to Hutchison, said the senator has said
nothing new about her future. He referred to a statement she made
Friday saying she would not make a formal announcement on her
intentions until after this November's elections.

"The statements that carry the most weight are the statements from the
senator herself," Eppstein said. "No one in Texas assumes she's not
running. Everyone assumes she's running. There's a kind of a
groundswell to recruit Kay Bailey to run," Eppstein said.

Republican consultant Bill Miller agreed.

"It basically qualifies as the worst kept secret in Texas," Miller
said. "She's going to be a candidate. She's the most popular elected
official in the state and she's a formidable foe for anybody. It's
clear to me and to others she's running."

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is eligible to run for another term.

Hutchison considered taking on Perry in 2006, but decided against what
would then be a divisive primary battle.

But if she runs in 2010, "there's not anyone who could really make a
case to me that this would be divisive for the Republican Party in a
way that would make me step back," Hutchison has said.

Asked about Perry's possible run for a fourth term last week, Hutchison
said, "Whatever. I'm just going to do what I'm going to do," according
to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Hutchison's name has also been tossed about as a possible running mate
to Republican presidential nominee John McCain. Hutchison has said
she's not seeking the job, but wouldn't turn it down if asked to join
the ticket.

McCain recently suggested she'd be better suited as the state's
governor. The Dallas Morning News reported that while McCain was flying
from Houston to Austin, he greeted Hutchison with "Governor, good to
see you." The newspaper said she responded with: "I like the sound of
that," and a smile.

 

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