State Senator Patrick Eyes U.S. Senate

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Republican Texas state senator Dan Patrick of Houston is exploring a run for the U.S. Senate.

Patrick told conservative radio talk show host Laura Ingraham on Friday that he is setting up an exploratory committee to gauge a run for the seat held by Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Hutchison is not running for re-election in 2012. Patrick would join a crowded Republican primary.

Texas Railroad Commissioners Michael Williams and Elizabeth Ames Jones, former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz and former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert all are running for the seat.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst also is widely expected to run. Dewhurst has said he plans to make an announcement in June or July.

Patrick, a conservative radio talk show host, was elected to the Texas Senate in 2006.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

More News