| State Sen. Dan Patrick, the conservative talk radio host turned legislator, said Tuesday that he would seek reelection. Patrick, who has served only one term in the senate, had been the subject of some speculation regarding the U.S. Senate race along with several other statewide offices. From the Austin American-Statesman: “My goal is to return to the Texas Senate to continue to fight for the conservative values and principles in which I and many Texans believe,” Patrick said in a statement. “If an opportunity presents itself to serve in the United States Senate, I will seriously consider it at the appropriate time, but my sights are set on the Texas Senate,” Patrick stated. “I feel honored and blessed each day I walk onto the Senate floor to represent my district and my state."
So Patrick says he is running for reelection but also would be open to the U.S. Senate if "an opportunity presents itself?" It is clear that Patrick desperately wants to move to statewide office and is in a hurry. Patrick may be pressured to wait at least another cycle, however, before he attempts to run for higher office. Some had thought that Gov. Rick Perry could appoint Patrick to the vacant U.S. Senate seat to appeal to the far right and social conservatives Perry will need to attract to defeat Kay Bailey Hutchison. |
