AUSTIN – Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison filed papers today establishing an exploratory committee to run for Texas governor in 2010.

KVUE News / file

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison

The filing clears the way for Ms. Hutchison to open a campaign office and begin raising money to challenge Gov. Rick Perry for the Republican nomination.

Perry has said he intends to seek re-election to the post he’s held since 2000, when he succeeded George W. Bush. Hutchison has increasingly indicated in recent months that she would challenge him.

“While Texas is faring somewhat better economically than many other states, a positive future is not guaranteed. It will take leaders who look ahead to meet the economic and budgetary challenges that are coming,” she said in a prepared statement.

“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, safe transportation and a government that listens and responds to them," she said.

“There is too much bitterness, too much anger, too little trust, too little consensus and too much infighting. And the tone comes from the top. Texans are looking for leadership and results.”

Although the election is two years away, both the GOP senator and governor have begun taking aim at each other – Perry stepping up criticism of Washington politicians and Ms. Hutchison saying the state could do a better job with higher education and health insurance.

The most recent dust-up is over the federal bailouts for Wall Street and financially ailing states, which are seeking money to cover soaring Medicaid costs, and crumbling infrastructure.

On the day Congress took action on the economic bailout, Perry issued a statement urging action but later criticized the bailout when Hutchison voted for it.

Hutchison had $8.6 million in her federal account as of Sept. 30, and virtually all of it could be used in the governor’s race.

The Republican senator could remain in the Senate while running for governor or could resign, which would permit Mr. Perry to name a temporary replacement. A special election would follow to fill the Senate term through 2012.

Among Republicans who have been mentioned as potential appointees or Senate candidates are Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

Democrats potentially interested in running for Ms. Hutchison’s seat include former Texas Comptroller John Sharp and Houston Mayor Bill White.