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Hutchison Kicks Off Bid for Texas Governor
Texas senator says Rick Perry has had his chance
By Nick McMaster
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Posted Aug 17, 09 5:03 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison announced her bid for Texas governor today and began a 5-day string of stumping appearances around the state, the Dallas Morning News reports. Talking at her old high school, Hutchison attacked fellow Republican Gov. Rick Perry for allowing property tax rates to rise and for failing to address problems in state education. “Ten years is enough,” she said. “We can do better.”
Vowing to restore conservative principles to Texas, Hutchison slammed Perry for doubling state debt but also attacked his refusal to accept federal stimulus funds: “That’s not conservative," she said. "That’s irresponsible.” In an unusual primary battle between big-name Republicans, Perry's spokesman retaliated, accusing Hutchison of returning to Texas “after years of bailouts, earmarks and out-of-control spending."