GOP Senator Hutchison to retire in 2012

WASHINGTON — Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, the senior Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, announced she will retire at the end of 2012, when her third six-year term ends.

The Senate Commerce Committee has oversight of many rail, transit, air and bus issues. She is considered a moderate Republican.

The Senate Commerce Committee, with a Democratic majority, is chaired by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.).