Hutchison makes campaign stop in McAllen
McALLEN — Republican gubernatorial hopeful Kay Bailey Hutchison made a brief campaign stop in this city Saturday afternoon, touting plans to create a better education system and calling for fewer taxes in Texas.
The U.S. senator is challenging incumbent Gov. Rick Perry, who is running for his third four-year term. Perry already holds the record for the longest-serving governor in state history.
“Gov. Perry had nine years,” Hutchison said, emphasizing the state’s need for gubernatorial term limits. “Thirteen years is too long.”
The senator, who dodged a question asking why voters in the heavily Democratic Rio Grande Valley should vote Republican, took credit for increasing the number of U.S. Border Patrol agents guarding the Texas-Mexico border. The candidate is a strong supporter of building a fence along the Rio Grande.
During the 2006 general election, 33 percent of Hidalgo County voters chose Perry, while Democrat Chris Bell garnered 42 percent.
Hutchison will continue her campaign in the Houston area, said Jeff Sadosky, her campaign press secretary. The senator plans to tour across the state up through the week of the March 2 primary election.
About a dozen people gathered Saturday at a reserved section of Palenque Grill, 606 E. Expressway 83, eager to catch a glimpse of the candidate and shake hands with her.
“I’ve always been a big fan,” said Danny Rios, of McAllen, moments before approaching the senator for a photograph outside the restaurant while she prepared to address local media.
Others, like Lee Foster, 52, weren’t at the restaurant to see Hutchison. They were just getting lunch.
“We were just eating here, and she showed up,” Foster said. “It was nice.”
The Harlingen resident and his wife, Maria, hoped Hutchison would walk to their table to say hello.
“I like Gov. Perry,” Foster said. “But I like her more.”
Early voting for this year’s election started Tuesday and continues until Feb. 26.
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Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.
