Kay Bailey to Campaign Donors: I'm Running for Gov.

By OMAR VILLAFRANCA

Updated 2:25 PM CST, Mon, Aug 31, 2009

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The words "I'm running for Governor" have not come out of Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's mouth. Instead, she's letting her fingers do the talking.

Hutchison is actively campaigning against incumbent Gov. Rick Perry. Her campaign sent out an email to supporters asking for contributions before the June 30 financial disclosure date. In the email, Hutchison wrote,"I am running for Governor because Texas must prepare for the future. I am running because I believe it is conservative to demand results and hold government accountable - with integrity and responsibility."

Hutchison is expected to formally announce her candidacy later this summer. But it seems she's telling her financial backers she's running.

Below is a copy of the email sent out to supporters.

Kay Bailey to Campaign Donors: I'm Running for Gov.

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Kay Bailey to Campaign Donors: I'm Running for Gov.

Dear Friend,

Our campaign is off to a great start! I am overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support from all across the state and we are excited for the next phase of the campaign to begin.

I'm writing to you today to ask for your help because I believe we can do better, and I want you to be a partner in our campaign.

I am running for Governor because Texas must prepare for the future. I am running because I believe it is conservative to demand results and hold government accountable - with integrity and responsibility.

As I travel the state, people have expressed frustration with the current leadership in Austin. They tell me the Governor is putting his personal political agenda in front of the agenda that will move the state forward. And you know what, I agree with them.

We find ourselves at a crossroads. People from all parts of Texas feel it is time for a change in Austin.

Look no further than what our state's largest newspaper said about the recently completed legislative session…

"The biggest beneficiary of the legislative session just might have been the one who wasn't there. Kay Bailey Hutchison steered clear of Austin, but the fractious 140-day session that ended Monday without tackling some high-profile problems gives her plenty with which to target Gov. Rick Perry in the coming Republican primary… Among big items left unaddressed: property taxes, the highest homeowner insurance rates in the country, and more children without health insurance than in any other state. The last-minute meltdown Monday night over transportation funding, which may require a special session to fix, could be another point in the argument about failed leadership."

"Overriding everything in this legislative session was next March's GOP matchup between Hutchison and Perry… while he sought to woo religious and social conservatives, Perry largely failed to deliver on issues they care about."

Wayne Slater and Christy Hoppe "Kay Bailey Hutchison may be '09 session's big winner." Dallas Morning News, June 2, 2009

Can we do better? I believe we must. There is just too much at stake.

My Finance Committee is working to take advantage of the momentum we're seeing and is issuing this bold challenge:

If you join before June 30, they'll match every dollar you give with one more, making your gift of $10 worth $20 - or your gift of $20 worth $40 - twice as much!

I hope you will consider making a generous gift before the June 30 reporting deadline so your fellow supporters can double your donation and give my campaign the funds it needs to win our Party's nomination.

Will you join me with a donation of $10, $15, or $25 and help me put our conservative principles and Texas values first?

I very much appreciate your help.

Sincerely,

Kay Bailey Hutchison