Williams: Guess he's gotta do something with that $160,467.49 in his war chest

As predicted by the Chronicle‘s own Amy Smith over a year ago, former Secretary of State Roger Williams is sniffing around a U.S. Senate run.

This morning the car dealer and former baseball coach formally announced the establishment of an exploratory committee to replace Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who last week announced her own exploratory committee for a possible run at the Governor’s mansion. He’s got the cash (he was a Bush Pioneer) and the connections (Gov. Rick Perry did, after all, hand-pick him for the secretary position) for a run.

Williams’ full press release below the fold.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Roger Williams Announces U.S. Senate Exploratory Committee

Friday, December 12, 2008

Weatherford, Texas – Former Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams today announced that he has formed a U.S. Senate exploratory committee.

Texas senior Senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison, has let it be known that she will not run for re-election and might leave her seat before her term expires.

Williams, a former professional baseball player and former college head coach is best known for his 35 years as a successful businessman and as Texas’ 105th Secretary of State. Williams is a Republican with a passion for freedom and free markets.

“The United States now faces its most difficult challenge in decades. How we respond to this challenge will determine if we lead the world into another century of prosperity,” said Williams. “We will succeed with determination, hard work and by renewing our confidence in the free enterprise system that made our nation what it is.”

Williams will use his exploratory committee to activate his statewide organization as Senator Hutchison makes her final decision.

As Secretary of State, Williams worked tirelessly to promote economic development, investment and job creation across Texas. He also served as the state’s Chief Liaison for Texas Border and Mexican Affairs as well as Chair of the state’s 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Response Strike Force.

Williams’ civic activities include serving on the Board of Trustees for the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University where he co-chairs the school’s capital fundraising campaign. Williams is also a member of the Texas Christian University Board of Trustees, his alma mater. He also serves on the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame Board of Directors as well as serving on the Admiral Nimitz Foundation Board of Directors in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Williams and his wife, Patty, reside in Weatherford and have two daughters.

This article appears in December 12 • 2008.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.