Former state Comptroller John Sharp (D) told the Associated Press on Monday that he plans to run for the seat of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R), who isn’t up for re-election until 2012 but is considering a gubernatorial run in 2010.

Last week Hutchison announced she had established an exploratory committee to begin looking at the gubernatorial race. If she runs, many speculate that she will resign her Senate seat early in order to campaign full time. If she resigns, Gov. Rick Perry (R) would appoint a successor who would then run in a 2010 special election.

“I will be a candidate whether the election is in 2012 or any time before then,” said Sharp, who has made two unsuccessful bids for lieutenant governor.