Kay Bailey Hutchison's spokesman, Joe Pounder, tells ABC News that his boss will remain in the Senate, while running against Rick Perry in the state's gubernatorial primary.
What does this mean? The short version is that she's probably seen recent polling (here and here) showing Perry beating her somewhat handily in the primary.
The long version is that it's a concession of sorts.
Back when Hutchison claimed she'd resign her seat, it seemed to be a signal that she was doubling down for a brawl with Perry -- proof of her commitment to sending him packing.
Now her decision is probably sending some chuckles through the Perry camp, particularly because Perry himself has owned up to some pretty cocky claims that Hutchison isn't really serious about the race, or might not even run.
Perry, on August 20:
"I don’t know who all is going to be in a primary [or] even if I’m going to have a primary or not."
Perry, on September 18:
"The idea that we are about to spend $50 million in a Republican Primary is asinine."
Perry, on September 30:
“I just don’t think it’s good for Texas if she makes that decision [resigning from the Senate].
Quite frankly, I don’t think it’s going to be good for her.”
But it's a move that Perry can't gloat over (at least publicly).
On November 2, he saddled Hutchison with a creative back-hand compliment, telling her just how badly the state needed her to remain in the Senate.
"I hope that she would spend her time fighting an administration in Washington, D.C., both on cap-and-trade legislation and this healthcare legislation that would be devastating to the Texas economy.
If she would do that job first, then who knows what good could come out of that."
Now Hutchison can say she's taking him up on that. In fact, that's exactly what Pounder said in explaining her decision today.
“Kay Bailey Hutchison is committed to fighting for Texas not only as a candidate for governor but also as a United States senator fighting against ObamaCare and cap-and-trade legislation which will be devastating for the state of Texas. She will not resign her Senate seat until these fights are over."
[Hat tip: Senatus]
