Statement On Senator Hutchison’s Announcement by Texans for Rick Perry Spokesman Mark Miner

LA MARQUE - “Sen. Hutchison appeared in La Marque in 1993 to launch her first Senate campaign, pledging to control spending and reduce government influence. In the 16 years since, she has violated, ignored and flip-flopped on virtually every promise she made to voters, giving Texans little reason to believe her rhetoric today will result in anything different.

“Her years in Congress are defined by record-setting debt, earmarks, bailouts and an unwillingness or inability to lead on a single important social or fiscal issue. She is now the ultimate Washington insider, voting for 98 percent of all federal spending bills, supporting thousands of earmarks, and championing the budget-busting $700 billion federal bailout.

“Sen. Hutchison is part of the very Washington, D.C. establishment that has abandoned conservative principles, embraced massive spending, debt and bureaucracy, and resulted in the near-destruction of the national Republican Party. Texans, especially Texas Republicans, cannot risk Sen. Hutchison’s brand of indecisive, inconsistent and debt-ridden Washington leadership shattering our balanced state budget or undermining our conservative successes.

“Rick Perry is the only proven conservative in this race with a solid record of cutting taxes, reducing lawsuits and leading Texas to become the strongest economy in the nation. Governor Perry’s Texas is known for balanced budgets, better public schools, a streamlined, predictable regulatory climate and a Rainy Day Fund expected to reach $9 billion.

“Gov. Perry has consistently delivered on his common-sense conservative promises, opening the doors of prosperity and opportunity for all Texans. The Texas economy has soared and our children’s achievement has grown during Gov. Perry’s tenure; the federal government has meanwhile become more intrusive into citizens’ lives and the national economy has cratered during Sen. Hutchison’s tenure. Leadership matters.

“Sen. Hutchison’s entire career has been characterized by perpetuating excessive pork-barrel spending, saying one thing in Texas and doing another in Washington, and supporting irresponsible policies that are driving our nation’s economy and the Republican Party’s future into the ground.”

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