AUSTIN – Upon the news that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has decided not to seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2012, State Chairman Steve Munisteri issued the following statement:

“On behalf of myself and the Republican Party of Texas, I would like to express our deepest appreciation and thanks to Senator Hutchison for her past decades of service to the Republican Party, and for her long and successful career in public office, especially her years in the United States Senate.”

“I also wish to personally thank Senator Hutchison for the tremendous support she has provided to the state party during my term as Chairman. She has been very gracious to me as State Chairman, calling me almost immediately upon my election to offer her advice, encouragement and most significantly, an open-ended offer to be of assistance in supporting our party structure. The Senator followed this up by not only hosting a successful fundraiser in Dallas, but also by personally contributing a significant amount of money to the RPT from her personal campaign funds to support our statewide efforts. Even now, she remains committed to helping the RPT with additional fundraising in the near future. Her staff have worked in close cooperation with the party, and been available to assist us whenever needed – I would specifically also like to thank Lindsey Parham for her efforts to help us.”

“When I became involved in politics in the early 1970’s, Senator Hutchison was one of the very few elected Republican members of the Texas House of Representatives. Both she and her husband Ray, who served as state party chairman in the mid-70’s, are true pioneers for the Republican Party of Texas. All Republicans in this state, owe them both a debt of gratitude for their early work in laying a foundation for the modern Republican Party of Texas.”

“I also think it should be stated, that Senator Hutchison’s choice of making this difficult decision earlier, rather than later, is a truly selfless act as it affords all potential future Republican candidates more than adequate notice to make future plans. By doing so, it is apparent that once again, she has put the interest of Texas, Texas Republicans, and our values first. We look forward to welcoming her back to Texas on a full-time basis, and in working forward to continuing to advance our shared principles.”