Hutchison Files For Exploratory Committee

The Dallas Morning News reports that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has filed papers to establish an exploratory committee for a possible run at the Texas Governor's mansion in 2010. By establishing this committee, Senator Hutchison can open a campaign office and being fundraising for her race. Senator Hutchison's prepared statement pulls no punches on Governor Rick Perry, who has announced he will run for re-election and an unprecedented third consecutive term in 2010:

"While Texas is faring somewhat better economically than many other states, a positive future is not guaranteed. It will take leaders who look ahead to meet the economic and budgetary challenges that are coming," she said in a prepared statement.

"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, safe transportation and a government that listens and responds to them," she said.

"There is 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."