Hutchison signals she may battle Perry for governor of Texas

By Sasha Johnson
CNN Sr. Political Producer
WASHINGTON (CNN) – Texas Republican Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison took
steps Thursday to run for governor of Texas in 2010, a move that could set-up a
fierce primary battle with the state's current governor.

"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 in a paper statement.

"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."

Gov. Rick Perry said in April he would run for a third term.

Papers to form Hutchison's exploratory committee were filed Thursday in
Austin.

In her statement the senior senator stressed she was "not yet a
candidate" as there were "friends, community and business leaders" that she
wanted to consult with before formally announcing her candidacy. Currently
Hutchison faces re-election for her senate seat in 2012 and did not indicate
whether or not she would resign should she pursue the governor's office.