Texas pols eager to run for Senate

By ANNA M. TINSLEY

Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams wants to be appointed Texas’ next U.S. senator, hoping for a leg up in an anticipated special election for a seat that for years has been considered a lock for Republicans.

The Arlington Republican’s prospects are uncertain. Gov. Rick Perry will have a lot of choices to fill the seat now held by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. She hasn’t even stepped down yet to make her run for governor, although she has said she’ll do so soon.

Also uncertain is whether the GOP can maintain its dominance in statewide races in Texas. Experts nationwide say they consider the impending Senate race up for grabs.

The last Democrats to hold statewide office were former Comptroller John Sharp, former Land Commissioner Garry Mauro and former Attorney General Dan Morales, all of whom left office at the end of 1998.

In the meantime, Williams is all but campaigning for the job.

“I’m ready, willing and able to get to work for Texans,” Williams said. “Of all the people in this race now, and the ones who may get in, I’m the only game-changer.  . . .  I have a demonstrated record of being a conservative in the face of opposition.”

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