By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
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Dallas, TX – Texas' longest serving governor and its senior Senator today appeared on stage together for the first time since ripping into each other during the March primary. KERA's Shelley Kofler reports the show of unity between Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rick Perry kicked off the Texas Republican Party convention in Dallas.
A little over three months ago he derided her as a Washington insider, calling her Kay Bailout Hutchison because she voted for the federal stimulus bill.
She accused him of cronyism, of trying to seize private property for toll roads and the Trans Texas corridor.
But as some 12,000 republicans rallied in Dallas for their state convention, Kay and Rick appeared to patch things up, diffusing any remaining tension with humor.
Hutchison: I told you I wanted to be Governor in the worst way and I delivered a campaign that was the worst way
With the campaign behind her, Hutchison said Perry's political ascension from a ranch in tiny Paint Creek to the governor s mansion personifies the big dreams of Texans. A few months ago Hutchison lambasted Perry for raising taxes. But on stage before hundreds of republican women, she said Perry is the right Governor to tackle a state budget shortfall that may approach $18 billion.
Hutchison: He's brought people together before and he'll do it again. I'm going to ask you to join me to return Governor Perry to Austin to keep a steady republican hand at the wheel. Let's welcome the next governor of Texas Rick Perry
Accompanied by thundering applause Hutchison and Perry embraced. Perry called Hutchison gracious, and a worthy opponent. He compared their bruising primary battle to the ultimate fighting championships, an intense sports competition seen on TV.
Perry: Prize fighters with extraordinary skills- they re fighting for the championship, the big buckle. At the end of it they're in a clench, sweating profusely and glad when the bell rang. Senator, I'm glad the bell rang.
The symbolism of Perry and Hutchison patching things up was important for some republicans to see. Carla McCroan is from Royse City in Collin County.
McCroan: We were a lot divided this time and there were three candidates this time with Debra Medina involved in this race. Now that it's said and done I'm glad to see everyone's uniting behind the republican nominee.
State Representative Diane Patrick of Arlington said the Perry -Hutchison embrace set a good tone for the convention.
Patrick: I think that sends a huge message. I thought her sense of humor was very important, that she thought he would be introducing her. It set the tone.
Missing from the stage and the list of convention speaks was the GOP primary's third gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina. Her tea party supporters may not heed the call for party unity as they take on career politicians and business as usual.