Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison received a warm welcome as she entered T & P Freight Warehouse in Downtown Abilene Friday. Although the senior senator arrived almost an hour late, she wasted no time in laying out the problems with current state government and how the state “can do better” than it has under current governor Rick Perry.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison greets Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, after a rally with her supporters in Abilene on her 5 day 19 stop tour. JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

“Fourteen years is too long for anyone to stay governor of a state,” Hutchison said, claiming that passing an 8-year term limit would be her first priority as governor.

Hutchison weighed in on the national debate over health care reform, boldly opposing current bills in Washington.

“If you want to know what I think about health care, think the exact opposite of everything that’s going through Congress right now,” Hutchison said. “As long as I am in the U.S. Senate, I will fight with every bone in my body to prevent the government takeover of our health care system.”

On state issues, the senator strongly criticized Perry’s margin tax as a “disaster” for state businesses, and “just wrong.” She called the Texas Department of Transportation “the most arrogant stage agency in the history of Texas,” calling for both rail and highway improvements. Her audience erupted with applause as she vowed to defeat any plans for a Trans-Texas Corridor as governor.

Hutchison ended her speech by imploring members of the Republican Party to come together and repair their tarnished image.

“I want Republicans to be worthy of governing this state,” Hutchison said. “We need breaths of fresh air all over our country and that is what I will provide.”

Many attended Friday’s event to show their support for the senator.

Aaron Kirkland has lived in Abilene for a year and a half and knows exactly what he appreciates about Hutchison.

“One thing I like is that she supports the free market and capitalism,” Kirkland said. “I like what she’s done in Washington.”

Terri Bryant attended to show her strong support, but could not put her finger on what it is about the senator that she favors.

“I have just always liked her. I think she will make a good governor,” Bryant said.

Lou Paulsen and his wife Sharon have lived in Abilene for 29 years. Lou knows where he stands when it comes to unwanted toll roads and eminent domain, but showed up Friday to find out where Hutchison stands.

“I have not heard what she has to say yet,” Paulsen said. “I am here to find out what’s going on.”