Texas May See GOP Clash Over Governorship

[rainbow4321]

http://www.baytownsun.com/wire.lasso?report=/dynamic/stories/T/TEXAS_GOVERNOR?SITE=TXBAY&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT



A contest between Perry and Hutchison in 2006 could be a bruising, big-name clash that could reveal just how conservative GOP voters are in President Bush's home state. Perry, for his part, wants Hutchison to stay in Washington.

"What I know is, it's not good for Texans to have a brutal, expensive, contentious primary and Texas to lose its seniority in the Senate. Everyone knows that," said Perry, a ferocious campaigner who has never lost a race.

It is almost certain that Perry, 55, would try to sway conservative primary voters by highlighting his differences with Hutchison over abortion. Perry and Strayhorn both oppose abortion except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the life of the mother. Hutchison supports abortion up to the point the fetus becomes viable outside the womb.

Some Texas Republicans view Hutchison as the GOP answer to Clinton if Clinton runs for president in 2008. In a letter to Hutchison from members of the State Republican Executive Committee urging her to stay in the Senate, one state party official added, "Run for Pres - beat Hillary!!!" Other have suggested she would be a good vice president.

[coloradodem2005]

1. Let it be done.

[Bridget Burke]

2. Toss Comptroller Carol Keeton Strayhorn into the fray....

And there will be hours of enjoyment--for Texas Democrats.