The thirty-nine percent solution

To shamelessly steal PDiddie's title, Governor Perry today told the Republican Governor's Association that he wants four mofo years.

Gov. Rick Perry, after speaking Thursday at a forum held by the Republican Governor's Association, told reporters that he plans on running for re-election in 2010.

When Perry was asked if he could foresee himself, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison all on the ballot in 2010, Perry said he knew that he would be on the ballot.

"I don't know about the other two," Perry said. "You need to ask them."

Asked specifically if he was going to run for re-election, Perry said, "Yes."

During a news conference with other Republican governors, Perry also said that if Republican presidential hopeful John McCain asked him to be his running mate, Perry would refuse.

Hutchison released a statement signaling she has not ruled out running against Perry.

"I am encouraged by the growing number of Texans asking me to return home to run for governor to provide leadership for our state," Hutchison said. "It is too early to make an announcement about the 2010 race. Right now, I remain committed to serving the people of Texas in the United States Senate and helping our Republican candidates win crucial elections this fall."

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie quickly released a statement on Perry's announcement.

"Given the current State of the State after five years of absolute and failed Republican rule, there's no reason to think Governor Perry's record would earn him more than the 39 percent he received in 2006," Richie said, referring to the support Perry received in a four-way race two years ago.

Evan Smith says confidently that Rick Perry is, one way or another, serving his last term in Austin. I'll just say that I feel pretty good about Bill White's chances to take him out in 2010; at the very least, I feel confident that the Democratic money people learned their lesson in 2006, and will put their resources to better use this time around. As for KBH, who knows if she means it this time when she once again says she thinks she might run for Governor? I'll believe it when I see it, and though I think she'd be favored against Perry in a straight-up primary (there are other possibilities out there as well), I'm not as sure as Burka that she'd win. But if the two of them start carping at each other in the press, I'll sure enjoy the spectacle. BOR has more.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on April 17, 2008 to Election 2010