Thread: Hutchison expected to stay in Senate to stave off 60-vote

Hutchison expected to stay in Senate to stave off 60-vote Democratic majority
By MARIA RECIOmrecio@mcclatchydc.com


WASHINGTON — Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, is unlikely to leave the Senate this spring after coming under tremendous pressure from Senate Republican leaders not to resign to pursue a bid for governor — and give Democrats an opening for a powerful 60-vote majority.

"If I step down, it would be in late 2009, if at all," Hutchison said, as relayed by Todd Olsen, spokesman for her gubernatorial exploratory committee.

By staying on, Hutchison would block Democrats from a shot at the filibuster-breaking 60th vote. The Democrats expect to have 59 votes after the Minnesota Senate race is resolved.

"I’m sure Sen. Hutchison is taking it into account," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Cornyn told reporters in a conference call that he would rather not have an additional opening before 2010 "if there is a way to avoid it."

"There is no legal requirement for her to step down," Cornyn said.

The gubernatorial election is in 2010; Hutchison’s term ends in 2012. Under Texas law, she can campaign for another office and serve in the Senate.

Hutchison has placed her young children in elementary school in Dallas, and insiders had been predicting that the senator would resign after the Texas legislative session ends in May to concentrate on the governor’s race.

Republicans worry that a Hutchison vacancy would energize Democrats in a Texas special election and could result in 60 Democratic votes — a supermajority needed for critical legislative votes. If Hutchison resigns, Republican Gov. Rick Perry would appoint a replacement until a special election is held.

The likely seating of Democrat Al Franken in the Minnesota race galvanized Republicans, as did the swearing-in of Illinois Democrat Roland Burris, the 58th Democratic vote.

There are 57 Senate Democrats and two independents — Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut — who caucus with the Democrats.

Politico reported that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky spoke with Hutchison at length on the Senate floor Wednesday.

Hutchison has not formally announced her candidacy for governor but has taken extensive steps to challenge Perry, including moving $7 million at the end of 2008 from her Senate campaign fund to her exploratory committee.

Hutchison announced Thursday that her exploratory campaign fund holds nearly $8 million.

"Today, as we file the first campaign finance report for the committee, we are starting fundraising in earnest and making a major step toward a campaign for governor," she said.

"In the coming weeks, I will be taking additional steps toward a race for governor. This is a critical time for our state and nation. I am going to be traveling our state, talking to Texans from all walks of life, and working hard to make certain that the wisdom and opinion of people across our state is heard."

Several politicians are exploring a Senate race, including Republicans Michael Williams, Texas Railroad Commission chairman; Roger Williams, former Texas secretary of state; state Sen. Florence Shapiro of Plano; and U.S. Reps. Kay Granger of Fort Worth and Joe Barton of Arlington.

Democrats looking at the Senate include Houston Mayor Bill White and former Texas Comptroller John Sharp.



http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1174142.html

Well she certainly didn't help "stave off" the Democratic majority when she voted for the SCHIP bill!

Unfortunately, one of those 41 Republicans in the Senate is McCain.....

Originally Posted by Texas2step

Well she certainly didn't help "stave off" the Democratic majority when she voted for the SCHIP bill!

Yep! And how many times has she said that she will do something about immigration. Her and Perry both. They talk the talk during elections, but stab us Texans in the back once elected.