Posted on 12/12/2004 7:28:40 AM PST by Theodore R.
Hutchison holds tense meeting with Perry supporters in El Paso
EL PASO (AP) U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison reacted angrily recently after several El Paso business leaders suggested that she not challenge Gov. Rick Perry in 2006 because their large campaign contributions to state leaders have increased the city's influence in Austin.
During the private luncheon last week, Hutchison, R-Texas, was asked to instead run for re-election for the Senate. She responded by denouncing the role large contributions play in state government, some of those attending said.
The meeting was organized as a briefing by the senator on various issues, but several Perry supporters turned the conversation to the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Many of those at the meeting agreed the discussion got severely strained after some of the business leaders mentioned their large contributions to Perry, also a Republican. Hutchison has said she hasn't decided whether to run in 2006.
El Paso businessman Woody Hunt said he reminded the senator that El Paso had not fully participated in state politics in the past and has long been neglected. He and others decided to open up their checkbooks and become players.
"We need to be better connected to the state. We need to be able to have access. We need to be able to communicate," said Hunt, who's donated almost $200,000 to Perry in the past four years, campaign finance records show.
El Paso businessman Ted Houghton, said he didn't expect Hutchison to react the way she did.
"That's when the meeting fell apart, unfortunately. Our point was, we like what we have for El Paso and we like what we have for the state of Texas," he said.
The senator's spokesman, Dave Beckwith, said Hutchison reacted to Perry supporters specifically touting the accomplishments produced after significantly stepping up their political contributions.
"Senator Hutchison is appalled that people are being strong-armed, feel they have to hand over huge contributions in order to be heard in the state's political process," Beckwith said Friday.
"What she's been hearing around the state is encouragement to provide the leadership to clean up that system."
That response from Hutchison's office brought a quick response from Perry's campaign.
"Others can deal in the Washington-style politics of personal destruction and blind ambition to do what is best for themselves, but Governor Perry will continue to be a strong, ethical and effective leader for El Paso and Texas as a whole," said Luis Saenz, Perry's campaign director.
Information from: El Paso Times, http://www.elpasotimes.com
I'm not very pleased with her "service" as a Senator. I don't want her as Governor. She should just fade away gracefully.
I mean, the GOP is the party in all of TX. But one would be mistaken if he believes that every Pub here thinks alike.
Funny how that works.
She should just fade away gracefully.
That's pretty much what MacArthur said about himself in 1951. But KBH is no MacArthur!
Before this is over, Comptroller Strayhorn may "stray" into the mix as "mediator."
Poor little Kay . . . did all those big scary men yell at you?
HAHAHA...so much for getting in touch with your consitutents! KBH needs to get appointed ambassador to Somewhere in '06 and move on down the line.
I've been reading about this potential Perry/KBH contest for the governor's seat. For those not familiar with Texas, who would be a better choice of the two?
Why don't you find and post the Texas house and senate voting on the issue? The gov may be yukking it up for the Trans Texas Corridor, but the Texas legislature voted almost unanimously to approve the project....good or bad.
Worth a Texas ping Meek?
FGS
She is nothing more than a RINO. Just because we have several RINO's in Washington doesn't make it OK. Her best job would be "Retired" so that we can send a real Republican to Washington.
Wonder if illegal aliens were mentioned in this meeting.
I don't like either one of them. Surely, there is someone better? Someone that really cares about doing the right thing; instead of their own selfish agendas.
Kay, only because she won't sneak in huge tax increases, like the governor did.
Well, dissing a possible gubernatorial nominee is NOT a way to keep connected. Business people need to be flexible, and keep all options open.
I agree - people on this thread can snipe all they want at KBH, and there are some things she's done that I'm not too hot on, but the fact is that she wins her elections with 70% of the vote and no one can touch her Senate seat - it's not a bad deal.
As to governor, I don't really care who runs, I just want Perry out. The dog catcher would be fine with me.
convert all of our [TX] freeways into toll roads
?? with all the miles of driving it takes to go from one place to another in Texas. You have my sympathy and I'm not being sarcastic. Perry is endangering your economy as goods and people movement are part of a healthy economy.
I'm sure glad we have this thoughtful forum, where the substance of the candidates positions is discussed and debated in detail, rather than the mudslinging display in the MSM.
/sarcasm
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