Hutchinson speech in limbo

Hutchison speech at GOP convention in limbo

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison was at the center of activities at the GOP convention Wednesday even though she was bumped from the speakers' lineup for the evening.

Hutchison was supposed to have a prime time speech on energy. It may be rescheduled for Thursday, the convention's final day.

Early Wednesday, two political consultants discussed John McCain's vice presidential pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Plain on MSNBC with political analyst Chuck Todd. Some comments they made while they thought their microphones were turned off were recorded and posted on YouTube.

In the YouTube video, Todd asks: "Don't you think the Palin pick was insulting to Kay Bailey Hutchison, who ...?"

Hutchison's experience easily eclipses Palin with her years in the Senate, Legislature and work in the private sector. She also has won her many elections with overwhelming majorities in Texas.

Even so, Hutchison was full of praise for Palin.

"There's no question that she's young. She is a new governor. Does she have the same experience as John McCain? No. Joe Biden? No.," Hutchison said. "But there is usually a generational change every two or three presidential elections and this is the year we are seeing the generational change."

She said with his Palin pick, the two have adopted what will be their "lead effort which is, we want to shake it up."

"I think he picked a soulmate," Hutchison said.

McCain has been considered a maverick in the Senate, bucking his party on issues such as earmarks. Palin has been considered a reformist in her state.