North Texas
(2009-10-13)
null
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison isn't ruling out the possibility of staying in the senate while she runs for governor against Rick Perry. KERA's Shelley Kofler has more on what she said Tuesday.
In July Kay Bailey Hutchison said that in October or November she'd step down from the senate seat she's held for 16 years.
But during an interview with conservative Dallas talk show host Mark Davis, Hutchison hedged.
Hutchison: I haven't been able to set that deadline
Hutchison says she wants to remain in Washington for important votes, in particular health care votes.
So, would she keep her senate seat through the March primary?
Hutchison: That's not what I want to do. That's not what I intend to do. But right now I want to just see what comes next. When is healthcare finished? I want to stay and fight with every bone in my body against the government takeover of healthcare.
Critics have questioned whether Hutchison can effectively campaign in Texas and fulfill a senator's duties in Washington. Other political careers also hang in the balance. If and when Hutchison resigns numerous elected officials will compete to replace her, leaving vacant other positions to be filled.
© Copyright 2010, KERA
