Hutchison files papers to run for Gov.

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is hinting at running for Texas governor in 2010 as she filed paperwork and launched a gubernatorial committee. The paperwork does not mean she will run, but simply that she will explore the possibility.

"[Thursday], I am filing an exploratory committee so I can begin the process of organizing a campaign for Governor of Texas," said Huchison. "I am not yet a candidate, but Texas law requires this first, important step before an announcement can be made." This process allows her to start the money raising process to challenge the current Texas governor, Rick Perry. "Texans deserve a Governor who, in the context of sound budgetary policies and low taxes, works for quality schools and universities, access to health care for our families, communities safe from crime and drugs, protection of private property rights, sensible transportation and a government that listens and responds to them," said Hutchison.

She can legally raise money during the legislative session while Perry cannot since state law forbids elected officials to do so. This gives her a bit of a monetary leg up on Perry. She filed the paperwork at the Texas Ethics Commission and named Allan Bud Shivers Jr. as her campaign treasurer. "I am humbled by the number of hard working Texans who have asked me to run for Governor in our state that I love so dearly," said Hutchison. "And I am honored to serve Texas in the United States Senate, protecting our state's interests and standing for our values and vision. Texans understand I put Texas first and I will continue to do so while I explore and prepare for a race for Governor of Texas."