Hutchison Takes First Step toward Gov. Run

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today took the first step toward a 2010 run at her state’s governorship, establishing an exploratory committee that will allow her to raise money for an eventual run.

“I am not yet a candidate, but Texas law requires this first, important step before an announcement can be made,” Hutchison said in her announcement.

Hutchison would challenge current Gov. Rick Perry (R), who has said he intends to seek reelection in 2010. Perry has served as Texas’s governor since 2000, when he took over after then-Gov. George W. Bush left the governor’s mansion for the White House.

Hutchison said she is transferring $1 million from her Senate campaign to launch the committee.

“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, protection of private property rights, sensible transportation and a government that listens and responds to them,” Hutchison said. “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.”