The Associated Press

Thu, Dec 4, 2008 (9:51 a.m.)

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison took the first step Thursday toward a run for Texas governor, setting up what could be a bruising Republican primary contest in 2010 with Gov. Rick Perry.

Hutchison said in a statement that she's setting up a gubernatorial exploratory committee and transferring $1 million into it from her federal account.

Perry has already said he's seeking re-election to a third term, so her moves could set off a tough campaign for the GOP nomination.

Hutchison took several swipes at Perry, saying in her statement that there's "too much bitterness, too much anger, too little trust, too little consensus and too much infighting" in Austin.

"The tone comes from the top," she said. "Texans are looking for leadership and results."

She noted that Texas is faring better economically than other states, "but a positive future in not guaranteed."

"It will take leaaders who look ahead to meet the economic and budgetary challenges that are coming.