By Ben Philpott, KUT News for Agenda Texas
AUSTIN – Texas Gov. Rick Perry, as you’ve no doubt heard, announced Monday he won’t seek a fourth term in office. Gov. Perry will stay in office until his replacement takes over in January 2015. But the scrambling to be that replacement, and the dominoes falling into place, has already begun.
Republican Party of Texas chair Steve Munisteri calls it “a once-in-a-political-generation seismic shift in leadership.” And he isn’t just talking about the governor’s race; he’s referring to all the behind-the-scenes changes coming with whomever takes over the Governor’s office.
“It’s not just a governor switching out,” Munisteri says. “It’s a whole administration switching out of one group of people, who have been associated with Governor Perry, leaving town. And a complete new set of people coming in.”
Here’s a look at the domino effect caused by Perry’s announcement:
Lieutenant Governor: While brewing for weeks, Perry’s announcement has brought this race to the fore – the only race that currently has an incumbent who says he’s seeking re-election.
Incumbent:
David Dewhurst
Announced:
State Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston
Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples
Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson
Attorney General: The position of top attorney is opening – because current A.G. Greg Abbott is expected to run for Governor.
Announced:
Current railroad commissioner Barry Smitherman
Expected:
State Representative Dan Branch, R-Highland Park
State Senator Ken Paxton, R-McKinney
Agriculture Commissioner: With current Ag Commissioner Staples running for Lt. Gov., this seat now comes into play.
Announced:
None, so far.
Comptroller: While unrelated to Perry’s announcement, current Comptroller Combs is retiring – putting another seat in play.
Announced:
Debra Medina
Land Commissioner: And with current Land commish Patterson seeking the Lt. Gov.’s position, this seat is also in play. Conventional wisdom is that no Republicans will face off against the next generation of the Bush family dynasty.
Announced:
George P. Bush
On the Democratic side … there aren’t any candidates just yet. Yes, State Sen. Wendy Davis has jumped into the spotlight. And San Antonio’s Julian and Joaquin Castro are seen as national up-and-comers. But SMU Political Scientist Cal Jillson says … don’t hold your breath.
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