Jan
22
Written by:
Andy Hogue
1/22/2010 1:27 PM
George H.W. Bush endorsed Kay Bailey Hutchison in her bid for Texas Governor today -- an unusual step for the former President to take in a Republican primary cycle.
Bush, according to the Associated Press, said he has nothing against incumbent Gov. Rick Perry, but feels closer to Hutchison.
"Barbara and I are taking this unusual step of endorsing in this primary because of our unbridled belief in Kay," Bush wrote, via a Hutchison campaign press release. "She is strong. She has proven her steadfast commitment to the issues and values that unite Texas Republicans. And we are proud to stand with her today."
The Houston Chronicle reported that the elder Bush endorsed Hutchison "not because we oppose Rick Perry ... but because of our unbridled belief in Kay ... She was a Lone Star Republican before it was cool to be a Republican."
Bush was Harris County Republican Party Chairman during the late '60s and early '70s, when the GOP was making only modest gains in Texas political races. Hutchison was elected as a member of the Texas House in 1972, representing a Houston district.
Bush's son, former President and Texas Governor George W. Bush, made way for Perry to become Texas Governor when he resigned to run for President in 2000.
Though "W" hasn't made an endorsement at this time, some of his other associates, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and strategist Karl Rove, have backed Hutchison.