THE EARMARK

A week ago today, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) announced her plans to resign from the Senate in order to challenge Texas Governor Rick Perry in next year’s Republican primary.

The interesting twist in the story is that under Texas law, Perry gets to fill any vacancies in the state’s Senate delegation.  So, it’s up to him to name Hutchinson’s successor.  Speculation is rife about who he may appoint to fill his rival’s seat.  Here are some of the options:

Potential Appointee	Pros	Cons
Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst	By appointing a devoted loyalist, Perry will be able to spread his influence in the Texas Republican party.	Dewhurst’s refusal to wear a bolo tie makes him suspicious in the eyes of Texas voters.
Hard rocker and proud Texan Ted Nugent	Washington is dangerously lacking in AK-47-wielding maniacs who demand that non-English speakers “get the fuck out of America.”	The National Zoo may have some objections.
Former President and Texas Governor George W. Bush	Forcing Bush to return to Washington would be a hilarious practical joke.	Persistent “birther” conspiracy theory insists Bush was born in Connecticut, not Texas.
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson	Renominating Hutchinson would be a brilliant masterstroke that would ensure Perry’s reelection as governor.	Many political observers believe Hutchinson lacks the competence to serve in the Senate.