It’s official. U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison announced her intention Monday to battle Governor Rick Perry for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in Texas. Hutchison began her five-day, 19-city announcement tour on Monday at her alma mater, La Marque High School in Houston followed by visits to San Antonio and Austin. No official word yet on when or if she will resign her U.S. Senate seat.
Add two more candidates to the list for the race to replace Rep. Joe Crabb (R-Kingwood) who announced last week that he will not seek reelection to his House District 127 seat. Former Houston City Council member Addie Wiseman and Humble ISD President Dan Huberty have announced their intentions to run in the Republican primary for House District 127.
In House District 146, Rep. Al Edwards (D-Houston) will face a challenge from attorney Billy Briscoe in the Democratic primary.
Rep. Betty Brown (R-Terrell) will face a crowded field in the Republican primary for House District 4. Lance Gooden, Jeffrey Fulgham Jr., and Melissa Pehle-Hill have announced their intentions to run against Brown. Wade Gent, Brown’s opponent from 2006 and 2008, is said to be considering the race as well.
Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin) announced that he will run for re-election to the Texas Senate in 2010. Watson’s name had been mentioned as a possible candidate for Governor. Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston) who was rumored to be considering a U.S. Senate race should U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison resign her seat also announced his intent to run for re-election to the Texas Senate.
Former Houston state Rep. Ron Wilson is recovering in an Austin hospital from a stroke.
Former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay will join 15 celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and sports on the new season of “Dancing With the Stars.” No, I am not kidding.