Perry questions whether Hutchison will run

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry says U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison may not run against him in the 2010 Republican primary for governor.

Hutchison has said she's challenging him and will make a formal announcement in August. But Perry told reporters Tuesday "it's always a possibility" Hutchison may not run.

Meanwhile, Perry's spokesman rejected Hutchison's suggestion that Perry solicited campaign contributions during the Texas legislative session. Spokesman Mark Miner says that's a lie.

The governor isn't permitted to raise campaign money during the 140-day legislative session nor the 20-day veto period. That's from the beginning of the year until June 21.

Perry's said he raised $4.2 million in the final nine days of June. Hutchison says she raised $6.7 million the first half of the year.