Hutchison released a statement suggesting that Perry -- a fellow Republican who has said he plans to seek another term -- is not the best person to lead the state in a time of economic crisis, The Dallas Morning News reported. Texas, because of the oil industry, is in better shape than many states, but Hutchison said that prosperity may not last.

"There is too much bitterness, too much anger, too little trust, too little consensus and too much infighting," she said. "And the tone comes from the top. Texans are looking for leadership and results."

Perry has recently criticized Washington politicians. Before Congress approved a bailout of the financial industry, he said that action was necessary, but he had little good to say about the bailout after Hutchison supported it.

Hutchison can transfer most of the money in her federal campaign fund to a race for governor if she decides to take Perry on, the newspaper said.