I have to express my regrets for a piece that I wrote on this website five years ago, in which I urged Kay Bailey Hutchison to forego a primary fight with Rick Perry and instead run for another term in the Senate. I believed that said action would be best for the GOP and best for Texas. I was wrong, because of what followed.

It did not take long for Rick Perry to show his true stripes following that election, backing off his promises of border enforcement, offering Texans significantly smaller property tax cuts than were promised, ignoring sexual abuse in the TYC system by system employees, and declaring himself dictator with the authority to play doctor with every little girl in Texas for the benefit of a political associate and the company for which he was employed. Perry has not improved over time -- indeed, his hints at secession (while not quite as represented by liberals) were an embarrassment to this state. The time has come for Gov. Goodhair to go.

I therefore offer my support for a candidate who has the respect of Texans across the political spectrum and a history of principled (though not doctrinaire) conservatism on most issues, as well as a record of effective administration as an executive branch official here in Texas and an effective legislator in Washington -- our Senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison. Hutchison has supported legislation to strengthen border enforcement, fought against Perry's plans to toll existing highways, and stood strong for Texas in the US Senate. What's more, she is backed by patriots like Dick Cheney and George H.W. Bush -- individuals of unquestioned integrity and love for this country who know quality leadership when they see it.

The third entrant in the race, Debra Medina, is to be commended for giving voice to some interesting ideas and important viewpoints. Unfortunately, Medina lacks the experience to be governor, having never held significant elected office or run any organization of any size or complexity. In short, she is less qualified to be governor than Barack Øbama was to be president. While I'd likely endorse her for any number of offices, I don't believe any candidate should begin his/her career as the chief executive of her state. If we've learned anything since January 20, 2009, it is that interesting ideas and a bit of charisma can't substitute for experience. We simply cannot wait for her to get on-the-job training.

I therefore endorse Kay Bailey Hutchison for governor, and will cast my vote for her in the GOP primary. I urge other Republicans to do likewise.