Senator Eliot Shapleigh - El Paso, Texas

Texas is known for brash and zany politics. But judging from the potential openings on next year's ballot, it may be the biggest frenzy in a generation.

If Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison leaves the Senate early to run for governor, it could set off a scramble for contested statewide races – and then countless open local seats.

Much of the action would be centered in the Dallas area, where several big names could seek the top jobs – governor, U.S. senator and attorney general.

"It's going to be an exciting and full election in which you're going to see a host of candidates," said GOP consultant Todd Smith.

Both parties will be caught up in the rush.

Republicans still control statewide politics and could cement their power with wins. But they also have the most to lose.

The movement could provide an opening for Democrats finally to recapture a statewide seat and more local races, which could mean the difference in taking the state House.

The elections especially are key to both sides because 2010 marks the start of the process to redraw political boundaries. After the next census, state lawmakers will craft new districts for Congress and for the Texas Legislature. And that could tip the balance of power from one party to the other.

"Every race is important," Smith said. "But this cycle has the added importance of redistricting."

Hutchison, one of Texas' most popular politicians, is expected to leave the Senate as early as this fall to focus entirely on the matchup with incumbent Rick Perry.

That would create a Senate vacancy, which the governor initially would fill before a special election can take place.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, a formidable Republican, is expected to seek the Senate seat.

If he does, his post would come open, and the dominoes would start falling quickly. Attorney General Greg Abbott and Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, both Republicans, are potential candidates for lieutenant governor.

"It's contingent on one or two people moving. That's when the cascade will begin," said Dallas County GOP Chairman Jonathan Neerman.

In Dallas, several high-profile politicos are eyeing the 2010 sweepstakes.

Hutchison lives in Dallas, but Republicans further down the ladder are in the mix.

State Sen. Florence Shapiro of Plano and former Secretary of State Roger Williams of Weatherford are exploring campaigns to replace her.

State Rep. Dan Branch of Dallas is considering a run for attorney general. He may also try for lieutenant governor.

There is jockeying behind Branch, as former County Judge Margaret Keliher and Republicans Lisa Luby Ryan and Bryan Pickens are thought to be contenders to replace him in the House.

Local Democrats are also considering new opportunities.

Former U.S. Ambassador Tom Schieffer of Fort Worth is running for governor.

State Sen. Royce West of Dallas is exploring a run for attorney general, but also might campaign for governor or lieutenant governor.

State Rep. Helen Giddings is considering a bid for county judge, which would create another House opening.

The rip-roaring scenarios have created excitement, and anxiety, for both parties.

Republican consultant Royal Masset, who predicted the 2006 Democratic takeover of Dallas County, said his party is vulnerable, partly because of a "loss of idealism" and a lackluster legislative session.

"If the Democrats can come up with good candidates, they will whip us," he said.

Still, Republicans have dominated statewide politics for almost two decades, thanks in part to a reliable bloc of conservative voters.

Robert Black, a Republican consultant and former Perry spokesman, said the next elections could bring fresh approaches and new leaders.

"A total shuffling of the deck isn't necessarily a bad thing. You get new voices," he said.

Democrats are looking to rebound, perhaps regaining a state House majority lost in 2002, along with winning statewide.

Matt Angle, director of Texas Democratic Trust, a political action committee, said opportunities are there "up and down the ballot."

And that could earn Texas Democrats resources from the national party, which recently skipped helping in the state races.

Also, the national Democratic Party just announced a meeting in September in Austin.

"It is an incentive for Democrats who don't live in Texas to look at Texas in a fresh light," Angle said.
AT A GLANCE: WHAT'S AT STAKE

With the possibility that Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison leaves the Senate early to run for governor, 2010 is shaping up as a big political season, including:

•The governor and all major statewide offices will be on the ballot.

•If there is a U.S. Senate vacancy, some current officeholders may try moving up. And that will set off a scramble for their open seats.

•Some Dallas-area legislators are considering running for statewide office. If so, their state House and Senate jobs will draw new contenders.

•The balance of power between the two parties is close in the state House. Whoever prevails in the next election is key because 2010 begins the long process of redistricting, when legislators craft new congressional and local district boundaries.