Barton considering run for Hutchison’s Senate seat

The race to take Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison’s (R-Tex.) open seat in 2010 may have just received its highest-profile candidate. A spokesman for Rep. Joe Barton (R-Tex.) said this weekend that the congressman believes serving as a senator would “be an honor.”

“Congressman Barton continues to watch the developments in Texas politics with an interested eye,” spokesman Sean Brown told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

“He believes serving the entire state of Texas as their next senator would be an honor. If and when an opportunity presents itself, he will discuss it with his wife, family and supporters before making any decision,” he added.

The Star-Telegram reports that a Senate run would be awkward for a member of Barton’s staff who is also working for former Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams, another Senate candidate.

At least four other Republicans have entered the race for Hutchison’s seat. The fourth-term senator is challenging Gov. Rick Perry (R-Tex.) in 2010 and will likely resign to run against the incumbent.