Today, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison announced she is challenging fellow Republican Texas Gov. Rick Perry for his job. Her campaign has been staffing up for months, so this news is hardly a surprise. Hutchison also released her fundraising numbers. She finished June with $6.7 million, $2.5 million ahead of Perry. This is an impressive haul, but Perry was barred from officially raising money until the end of the legislative session in June.
Hutchison has an uphill battle. She currently is down 12 points on Perry, according to a poll last week. Perry polled at 38% support from Republican voters, with Hutchison at 26%. The primary will not be until next March.