Texas Governor’s Race Takes Shape

Rick Perry is in as the Republican incumbent. U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has opted against a gubernatorial challenge, a move that may have averted a juggling of positions among Texas Republicans.

The GOP holds every statewide elected office in Texas and party leaders had been gearing up for a grand game of political musical chairs in case U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison jumped into the 2006 governor’s race.

Instead, Hutchison opted for another run at the Senate, leaving most GOP office holders sitting right where they are.

“Everybody stays home,” said Republican political consultant Bill Miller.

The lone exception: Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, who has already declared her candidacy for comptroller. Sen. Todd Staples, a Republican from Palestine, is expected to run for agriculture commissioner.

There had been wide speculation that if Hutchison challenged Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst would campaign for her Senate seat and Attorney General Greg Abbott would launch a bid for lieutenant governor. Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams was considered a potential candidate for Abbott’s seat.

With Hutchison out, state comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn has decided to throw her hat in the ring as a primary challenge to Perry, a challenge that may grow bitter.

It promises to be an ugly battle between Republicans for the right to run for governor. Saturday, state comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn threw her name in the hat, and the political punches are already flying.

Strayhorn made the announcement just blocks away from the State Capitol. The 65-year-old grandmother thrilled the crowd with her fiery rhetoric.

“It is time for a change — it is time to send Governor Perry packin’,” she said.

[…]

“Now it’s time to replace this do-nothin’ drugstore cowboy with one tough grandma,” said Strayhorn — one tough grandma who’s promising one tough primary fight.

One thing is certain about the upcoming campaign, and that is that I will be absolutely sick of the phrase “one tough grandma” long before a single ballot is cast.

So far, no Democrat has declared.