From Statesman.com:

I hear that Hope Andrade, a former member of the Texas Transportation Commission, is in Gov. Rick Perry’s sights as his choice to succeed the departed Phil Wilson as Texas secretary of state.

“It’s the worst-kept secret in town,” a Republican in the know said today.

That said, I couldn’t confirm the development this morning.

Andrade didn’t immediately return a call for comment. Perry’s office had no comment.

The state senator who would be consulted by Perry if Andrade is his pick insists he doesn’t know where she lives.

Boerne, near San Antonio, a Web search indicates.

Maybe state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, was joshing with me.

Andrade, an entrepreneur appointed to the commission by Perry in 2003, served as the in-the-crosshair’d panel’s chair from January until her departure April 30. Her position on the five-member body was filled by Deirdre Delisi, Perry’s former chief of staff.

State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, said she’d welcome Andrade if she proves Perry’s choice. “I was hoping that he would tap her for something; she just has so much credibility,” Van de Putte said, adding that Andrade is “savvy about the border,” a factor that could help in the international relations that go into the job.

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