Perry officials; Hutchison fundraising

AUSTIN - Republican Gov. Rick Perry has named Rob Johnson as his campaign manager heading into the 2010 governor's race. Johnson currently is chief of staff to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

Perry called Johnson one of the most respected political strategists he knows.

Johnson served as campaign manager for Dewhurst's first run for lieutenant governor in 2002.

Kevin Lindley will be Johnson's deputy, serving as Perry's campaign director, and Krystle Kirchmeyer Alvarado will be the campaign's finance director. The Perry camp also announced several other officials and field staff members Monday.

Perry is seeking a third full term. He faces a GOP primary challenge next spring from U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who says she raised $6.7 million the first half of this year for her 2010 bid.

Hutchison made the announcement Monday while speaking to supporters in Dallas. Her campaign posted a brief note about her fundraising total on the online message site Twitter and on her campaign Web site.

Last week, Perry announced his campaign raised $4.2 million over a nine-day period at the end of June. That's the only time he could raise money the first half of the year because of the Texas legislative session.

The March, 2010 Republican primary is expected to be rough and expensive.