The news that Texas Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is not running for reelection
will set off a chain reaction, bringing multiple candidates from both parties to
compete for the open seat.

Because I always want my readers to be ahead of the conventional wisdom, here is
my tip of the month. Keep your eye on the Democratic mayor of San Antonio, Julian
Castro, as a rising star in Texas politics. Many Democrats will soon urge him to
run for the Senate seat, or to run in the next campaign for governor of Texas.

Castro is a widely respected mayor of a major city. He has been a great mayor and
formidable political figure. If and when Castro runs for high office, he will electrify
the all-important Hispanic vote, which even Karl Rove will agree is a potentially
realigning factor in Texas politics.

Equally important, Julian Castro would have significant crossover voter appeal,
would be a credible candidate for political independents, is respected by many in
the entrepreneurial Texas business community and would have major fundraising clout.

There will be a number of highly credible names being mentioned, from both parties.
I am not predicting Castro runs this time around, but I am predicting he is destined
for statewide office and very possibly national attention. Having worked for the
late and great Texas Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D), I am in regular touch with many Texans,
and can report there is very serious buzz about Mayor Castro right now.

Does the name Marco Rubio ring a bell? The incoming Republican senator from Florida
has already established major credibility, and if he acquits himself well in the
Senate, which he may well do, he will quickly join the shortlist of those
mentioned for vice president, and maybe more.

Could San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro be the next senator from Texas, or future
governor, and the Texas Democratic Marco Rubio?

Things are looking rotten right now for the Texas Democratic Party, but you heard
it here: Keep your eye on the very good Democratic mayor of San Antonio, because
sooner or later, this gentleman is going places, possibly very big places.