Kay Bailey Hutchison weighs reelection, could face real primary

[ccharles000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJL4Nigr1Ho

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison could be the first primary casualty of 2012.

The Texas Republican, after years of back and forth over whether she will or won't retire, will have to make a decision soon about 2012. Waiting in the wings are a slate of Republicans who have already spent two years eyeing the race, including some who are prepared to run against her even if she seeks reelection.

Hutchison was on the wrong end of a bruising, lopsided primary loss in March to Gov. Rick Perry (R) in which she saw her sterling public image take a big hit. Perry, who began the race as an underdog in the minds of many, nailed Hutchison over her vote for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) bailout and her ties to Washington. He wound up beating her by more than 20 points.

Before, during and after Hutchison's primary loss, she engaged in an extended will-she-or-won't-she-leave-the-Senate internal debate that has tried the patience of Texas Republicans and, some would argue, left her as damaged good for another political campaign.

Hutchison initially said she would resign in order to run for governor last year. But then her fortunes faded in that race, and Republicans in Washington urged her to stay in the Senate a little while longer in order to avoid a potential special election (which could have given Democrats a 60-seat, filibuster-proof majority). Hutchison said she would retire after the primary.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

1. WOW, really? She touted the party line and did everything they asked.

Yet, she's not good enough? I hear that Grassley is being targeted as well. What? He's not conservative enough? That's so wild to me.

[lunamagica]

4. She's not cute. Nowadays only the Palins and O'Donnels are good enough. nt

I

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

5. Oddly enough, she actually was a Debutante and a beauty queen when she was younger...

But I do see what you're saying. She ain't no O'Donnell or Sister Sarah. And apparently, unlike Sarah, she's not a quitter...

[lunamagica]

6. Really? I would have never guessed......and yes, she has given

her heart and soul, everything to her party.

But she chose the dark side so I can't say I feel bad for her

[Dulcinea]

7. How old is she?

Sadly, as stated upthread, age is a factor. Older women aren't considered HAWT or CUTE.

[derby378]

2. Say hello to the new Democratic Senator from Texas, John Sharp

He threatened to run for her seat if she ran against Perry in the gubernatorial race, and I know he's itcheing for the chance to make it stick in 2012.

[Freddie Stubbs]

8. A Democrat hasn't won a state-wide election in Texas in 16 years

And Sharp has lost two state-wide elections since then.

It would probably take an political environment like 2006 and a poor Republican candidate for Sharp to win.

[Skittles]

3. LOL

she is a Class-A Repuke Whore