U. S. Sen. Bailey Hutchison declared beyond any shadow of a doubt today in Austin that she will challenge Gov. Rick Perry in the 2010 governor’s race -- and she assembled more than 300 Republicans from across the state to begin revving up her campaign as a show of her determination to unseat the incumbent.
The inaugural meeting of Hutchison’s broad-based exploratory committee came as Perry prepared to reach out to a core constituency of his re-election bid by addressing an anti-abortion rally at the steps of the State Capitol.
A Hutchison -Perry match will be decided by Republican primary voters, many of whom are social and religious conservatives who have raised concerns about Hutchison’s stand on abortion. The Republican senator has endorsed a woman’s right to an abortion before a fetus is viable outside the womb but she has also supported abortion restrictions such as parental consent or notification..
Flanked by members of her exploratory team, including former House Majority Leader Dick Armey and U.S. Rep Kay Granger of Fort Worth, Hutchison defended her position on abortion issues, saying she has a “94 percent right-to-life” voting record. She said she is focused on sharply reducing the number of abortions, both in Texas and the nation, and encouraging more adoptions.
Other big names from North Texas appearing with Hutchison: pitching great Nolan Ryan and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach, as well as Sid and Mercedes Bass, Richard and Marsland Moncrief and Charlie and Kit Moncrief, all of Fort Worth.
-- Dave Montgomery
Hutchison and Cornyn revived the bailout bill that the house originally killed. The same bailout that's killing our economy. Rick Perry openly encouraged congress to vote for this bill even though the voters overwhelmingly opposed it. Neither one of these people ever deserve to hold again. I sure hope Friedman runs again. I would vote for almost anyone but these two. Friedman truly cares about Texas, he'll get my vote if he will run. This is coming from a life long republican.
Posted by: Jr. | January 25, 2009 at 01:40 AM
This is great news! I would vote for a monkey if it would get Perry out of that office!!! I would like to see a good Democrat in office.
Posted by: BP | January 25, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Go Kay! I can't wait to get Perry out of office!
Posted by: Kay Backer | January 25, 2009 at 01:40 PM
No Question My Rump!!! Ms. Hutchinson was aked flat out if she was going to fulfill her Senatorial commitment while during the Senatorial debates. She refused to answer the question. I am sure the paper will recall her exact words. Now, she will leave an appointment to her seat by the corrupt Govenor Perry, who through dealings with Bob Perry and TRCC begins to look similar to Illinois Govenor Blagoyavich for giving favors for favors taken. I hope Texas votes Democratic this time and removes the stench of favoritism from large Republican donators. Good luck for anyone other then the Republicans. Putting the government back into the hands of the people is the only chance a true representative government can continue to act upon the wills of the constituancy. DFW
Posted by: Daniel Whitton | January 27, 2009 at 12:45 PM
I would vote Democrat only if Friedman was running.
Posted by: Jr. | January 27, 2009 at 01:04 PM