Texas Senator to Resign This Fall
On Dallas/Fort Worth radio station WBAP-AM, Hutchison said she plans on stepping down in October or November and will officially begin her primary campaign against incumbent Republican Rick Perry in August.
"I am trying to do everything that I can while I'm in office to responsibly serve as senator. But it is hard because my heart is in Texas," she said.
Hutchison also said that she is delaying leaving the Senate because she wants to fight against the Obama administration's health care reform as well as cap-and-trade. She also says she is planning to vote against Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation to the Supreme Court.
"I am trying to determine when is the time when I have done everything I can do to stop this health care takeover, cap and trade, which is the next thing coming down that I think is going to be so bad for Texas," Hutchison said. "I'm trying to finish those things in a responsible way and then I'm coming home to try to give leadership to Texas."
As for Perry, the Republican senator says she gave him a "free ride" the last time he ran for governor by not running herself.
"No one expected him to run again and I stepped back last time. I tried to give him a free ride with no primary but for him to try to stay on for fifteen years is too long," Hutchison said.
The Houston Chronicle notes that many are already speculated to run for Hutchison's senate seat, including state Senator Florence Shaprio and former Secretary of State Roger Williams, both Republicans. Houston Mayor Bill White and former Comptroller John Sharp may run on the Democratic side.
If Hutchison steps down in October or November, a special election will be held in May. However, the Chronicle observes that Perry could declare an election earlier.