Whoever ends up as Governor in January 2007, Rick Perry, Kay Hutch, or some other person. This would give them a huge boost if they plan to seek higher office (i.e. White House) in 2012 or 2016. Being the Chief Executive for the second-most populated state in the country is definitely a good spring board. Just ask George W. Bush.
True, however the term "chief executive" is a very loose one when describing the power of the governor. The governor of Texas has very little power. Mainly just the power to appoint and act as represenative of Texas to meet with the likes of the president of Mexico, Vicente Fox. The true "cheif execuative" of Texas is the Lt. Governor, David Dewhurst.
