Back in the Saddle

So filing began this morning for the 2010 primaries: Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, was up early for an 8am filing;Gov. Rick Perry filled his paperwork at a press event in a room too small for the press; Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, confirmed he's back for another round; and then Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, submitted his Senate paperwork.

Watson's announcement kiboshes months of speculation about a statewide run. Watson briefly considered a gubernatorial run, and was rumored to be looking at lite guv, but now he's looking to keep his seat.

The story behind that story is that a lot of Travis Co. Dems are sad he won't be running for higher office, since they think he'd make a good candidate. Other were really hoping he'd jump and that would open up some lower offices for the next wave of Austin Democrats. On the other hand, there was real concern that half the local House delegation and a bunch of up-and-comers would get in a bloody primary fight to replace him, weakening the party and diverting campaign funds from marginal seats and the statewide push.

Watson's statement in full:

SENATOR WATSON FILES TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION

Pledging to build a stronger future for Texas and its families, Senator Kirk Watson on Thursday filed to run for re-election to the Texas Senate.

"It's an honor to serve the people of Central Texas and Senate District 14," Senator Watson said. "I’ve found a lot of success in the legislature, and I believe my service there is tangibly helping Texas and its people."

First elected to the Senate in 2006, Senator Watson represents most of Travis County. He has twice been recognized by Texas Monthly and was named one of the state’s 10 Best Legislators for his work in the 2009 legislative session.

He has been a leader in a wide range of areas, including transportation, economic development, insurance reform, clean energy, and budget transparency. He also has worked to increase access to health care, particularly among children, and to improve the state’s schools, colleges and universities.

Senator Watson said he will continue working – during the campaign and in the Senate – to build on the infrastructure that created Texas’ great prosperity, and to help hard-working Texans who are struggling with high insurance costs, utility bills, tuition payments, property taxes, and other burdens. He added, “Our children must not be among the first generation of Texans that lacks the resources they’ll need to prosper.”