Kay Bailey Hutchison

Hutchison Switches Course, Won't Resign From Senate While Running In Primary For Texas Governor

Eric Kleefeld | November 13, 2009, 5:43PM

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) has announced that she will not resign from the Senate while she is running for governor of Texas, which she had previously planned on doing as she challenges incumbent Gov. Rick Perry in the Republican primary.

"A newly appointed senator would be selected in the midst of a political storm," Hutchison said in a statement that cited the battle against the Democrats on health care and energy legislation, "And will need on-the-job training in the midst of a crisis."

This comes after a Rasmussen poll today, which showed her trailing Perry by 46%-35% -- and which also showed that 60% of likely primary voters disagreed with her plans to resign. Perry had frequently been attacking Hutchison for the planned resignation, as well.

Although Hutchison had previously announced her intention to resign at some point, she is now spinning this new decision as herself bravely saying no to what others had told her to do: "Some have told me that for the sake of political expedience I should quit the Senate now to focus on winning the primary. To them I say, perhaps its time we elect a governor who puts a little less priority on what is politically expedient."

TX-GOV

Poll: Perry Leads Hutchison In Texas Gubernatorial Primary

Eric Kleefeld | November 13, 2009, 10:24AM

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

A new Rasmussen poll of Texas has Gov. Rick Perry ahead in his Republican primary in 2010, in which he is being challenged by U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

The numbers: Perry 46%, Hutchison 35%, with a ±3.5% margin of error. Two months ago, when Hutchison had officially launched her campaign and was touring the state, she had a 40%-38% lead.

One key question should give Hutchison pause: "Should Kay Bailey Hutchison remain in her position as senator while she is running for Governor?" The answer here is Yes 60%, No 26%. Hutchison has indicated that she will resign from the Senate -- a move that could possibly be hurting her.

TX-GOV

Perry Reacts To Cheney's Endorsement Of His Opponent: 'I'd Stick With Sarah' Palin

Eric Kleefeld | October 29, 2009, 11:12AM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Fmr. Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK)

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) is brushing off former Vice President Dick Cheney's endorsement of Perry's primary challenger, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison -- saying he'd rather have his current support from Sarah Palin.

Perry touted an upcoming endorsement from Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, as evidence of Republican support. Perry was then asked if he would rather have Cheney or Palin, who endorsed him back in February.

Perry's response: "I think I'd stick with Sarah."

Dick Cheney

Dick Cheney To Campaign For Kay Bailey Hutchison In Texas Gubernatorial Primary

Eric Kleefeld | October 28, 2009, 2:08PM

Fmr. VP Dick Cheney and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)

Former Vice President Dick Cheney may have left office overwhelmingly unpopular with the country at large, but he's headed back on the campaign trail -- to endorse Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) in her campaign for governor, challenging incumbent Gov. Rick Perry in the Republican primary.

Cheney is scheduled to attend a Hutchison fundraiser on November 17, an environment of Texas Republicans where he's probably still more popular than not.

In terms of endorsements, each candidate has a big GOP name in their corner. Cheney is for Hutchison, while Perry has previously been endorsed by Sarah Palin.