Some names to replace Hutchingson as Senator being heard from both sides

Is DeMint demented for meddling in Texas Politics?

As current U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson prepares to retire, some names, both democrat and republican,  are starting to float around the state's political circles as possible replacement candidates. For one, some of the talk shows in San Antonio have actively been debating whether their mayor Julian Castro might be a viable candidate. Locally, I've  wondered  if anyone from laredo would stand a real chance to compete in the race. Henry Cuellar is a Blue Dog democrat but probably couldn't beat the heir-apparent republican Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst. State senator Judith Zaffirini has an excellent record but it is improbable that she would go against Dewhurst herself. The two have always had a rather civil relationship considering their on opposite sides of the isle. 

In addition to the republican and democratic names mentioned above, the Tea Party is also getting in on the act. U.S. Senator Jim Demint considers David Dewhurst to be the candidate of Washington Insiders. The Houston Chronicle had an interesting piece on the TeaParty's foray into the Senate race, stating:

While DeMint didn't endorse any candidate that has either that announced they're running for Hutchison's seat or rumored to be considered a run -- he touted Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams and former Solicitor General Ted Cruz. The comments weren't looked on kindly by Texas Senator John Cornyn, who also chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). "Is that guy from Texas?" Cornyn asked. 

The NRSC frequently did battle with DeMint-backed candidates in the 2010 Republican primaries. The GOP establishment has accused DeMint of costing the Republican Party seats in the Senate in 2010 because of his efforts, which played a part in the primary election wins of Christine O'Donnell and Sharon Angle.