How much do some people want to see Kay Bailey Hutchison stay in the Senate and leave Rick Perry alone? Enough to dangle some pretty big carrots in front of her.
[Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell of Kentucky] said Hutchison likely would be offered the Senate GOP's No. 3 spot, chair of the Senate Republican Conference, a position now held by Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, if she remains in Washington."A lot of us hope she will spend a long time with us," McConnell said.
[...]
Hutchison did not respond to McConnell's statements, which may have been a hint that GOP leaders want her to avoid opposing Perry.
Her press secretary, Chris Paulitz, played down McConnell's statement, saying it was only logical she would become the conference chair because she is currently the vice chair.
McConnell's statements will not influence Hutchison's gubernatorial decision, which is expected in July, Paulitz said.
[...]
In late April, Dallas GOP chairman and Perry contributor Nate Crain said Hutchison should drop the race because her considerations are dangerously dividing Texas Republicans.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee also wouldn't want to see her go."When you have a figure like her in the Senate, you are absolutely going to want to continue having her as part of your team," NRSC spokesman Brian Nick said. "Will there be senators encouraging her to stay in the Senate? The answer is yes."
You almost have to wonder what these guys are afraid of.
Maybe I'm being a little too naive in this but maybe, just maybe, it's because she isn't really one of them. I just don't think she's as mallable as he is. Also, I've noticed the Party doesn't like the people choosing who runs - they much prefer you annoint the Party's chosen one.
Personally, I like KBH because she worked to help my wife on DeLay's SS screw job for teachers.
Posted by: Charles M on May 18, 2005 2:24 PMOne has to wonder if the GOP is worrying about a divisive primary. As I recall, the 1992 Presidential primary had a pretty divisive battle between Bush 41 and Buchanan which fractured the GOP somewhat. And all they needed was a non-Democratic alternative -- the Perot factor -- to give disaffected Republicans a "protest vote" (for Perot) and help hand the presidency to Clinton.
One also has to wonder if they think the potential Kinky candidacy could provide a similar alternative for Texas Republicans who don't like the outcome of a rather spirited primary...much to the benefit of either Kinky or the Dems.
Posted by: Tim on May 18, 2005 5:05 PMMe, I want to see Ms. Hutchison go home & stay there. When does her senate term expire? Is there a viable dem to run against her?
Posted by: darms on May 20, 2005 7:43 PMWell, at least this way, I won't get that annoying mail.
My plan is to hold my nose and vote for Perry in the primary if KBH runs for governor. For one, I think the Democrats can beat Perry. But, more importantly, if KBH becomes a popular governor, she could potentially run for president. Perry, by contrast, will never make it out of Texas.
Unfortunately, voting the Republican primary would put me on all of their mailing lists, so I would get all of those crappy fliers about the "defending marriage."
Posted by: blank on May 21, 2005 12:36 AMMe, I want to see Ms. Hutchison go home & stay there. When does her senate term expire? Is there a viable dem to run against her?
She's up for re-election in '06, if she decides to stay in the Senate. One likely Democratic Senate candidate is Barbara Radnofsky.
... if KBH becomes a popular governor, she could potentially run for president.
I confess I hadn't thought about that. Of course, I'm still hoping for Strayhorn to enter the race.
Posted by: Mathwiz on May 24, 2005 2:42 PM