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June 19, 2005
Kay Stops the Muscial Chairs
On Friday afternoon at 6 p.m. (known as "taking out the trash" time in terms of getting information to the media), U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison made an announcement with profound implications for the 2006 midterm election in Texas -- she will run for re-election to the Senate, and not for Governor, as many had speculated she would.
We were surprised, but not shocked by her decision. No doubt the primary would have been bloody, with no guarantee she would win -- Perry has the support of the critical social conservative wing of the GOP. Still, having her on the ballot for Governor -- the race that drives the flavor and intensity of the election in Texas -- would have been disastrous for Democrats. And as bad as things have gone for Texas Democrats recently, we just figured it would happen.
So now we will watch an entirely different showdown in next year's GOP gubenatorial primary -- one that is likely to be more entertaining but less suspensful -- Perry vs. Strayhorn. She announced her candidacy yesterday in Austin, and while she is not likely to win, she almost certainly will make Rick Perry's life miserable for the next 10 months.
The feisty "one tough grandma" wasted little time setting the tone for the race, referring to the incumbent Governor as a "do-nothing drugstore cowboy." This oughta be fun.
Of course, Hutchison's decision not to run for Governor affects a number of other Texas political aspirants. On the GOP side, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, who coveted the U.S. Senate seat, will now have to wait his turn, as will Congressman Henry Bonilla from San Antonio. Attorney General Greg Abbott, and others possibly looking to move up, have also been slowed down.
On the Democratic side, this is bad news for Barbara Radnofsky, the political newcomer who has campaigned hard to be the nominee for the Hutchison Senate seat. While she certianly can still run, a race against the incumbent is almost certainly unwinnable. Barbara may be persuaded to consider another race, either statewide or in the Houston area.
Democrats can take some hope from likely facing Perry next year -- having him as the nominee is the only chance for them to win the Governor's mansion. Chris Bell is campaigning hard, but look for others to look very seriously at this race, especially John Sharp.
It's going to be a helluva year.
Posted by houtopia at June 19, 2005 04:03 PM