Sen. Hutchison files for TX governor

AUSTIN (AP) - U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has made her run for Texas governor official, filing her candidate paperwork with the state Republican Party.

With her filing Monday, Hutchison entered the March 2 Republican primary against Gov. Rick Perry.

The two GOP office-holders have been squaring off for months, but now both candidates have formally entered the race. The winner of the primary will face the Democratic nominee in November 2010.

Perry has long suggested that Hutchison might not run, but her action Monday puts her in contention with Perry.

Hutchison said Texas needs a "serious leader" and that she is that person. Hutchison has said she will remain in the Senate while running for governor.

Perry filed last week to seek an unprecedented third term.