Politics | Senate The 10 Most Important Primaries Perry and KBH face off; Tea Party mounts challenge in Fla. By Nick McMaster Posted Jan 8, 2010 5:49 PM CST Copied Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks during a campaign stop Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010 in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan) The 2010 primaries will see the GOP repairing its identity and soul-searching among Democrats. The 10 most important races, according to Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post: Texas governor, R: Rick Perry is running for an unprecedented third term, and voters seem to approve. But Kay Bailey Hutchison is a popular, crafty, and well-funded opponent. Florida Senate, R: The looming battle between Gov. Charlie Crist and former state House Speaker Marco Rubio is being closely watched as a bellwether of the rift between GOP moderates and the insurgent Tea Party movement. Pennsylvania Senate, D: Conventional wisdom holds that Arlen Specter changed parties at least in part because he thought he had better chances as a Democrat—but in order to reap that reward he'll have to beat Rep. Joe Sestak. Nevada Senate, R: The battle to challenge Harry Reid "has taken on a circus-like feel"—candidates include Sue Lowden, a former Miss New Jersey; Danny Tarkanian, the son of basketball coach Jerry; and John Chachas, a businessman with loads of cash to burn. Click here to see the complete list. Read These Next Her blood isn't compatible with anyone else's. Some of the most explosive Diddy allegations are dropped. Fan who taunted Ketel Marte's mom has been banned by MLB. NJ lifeguard survives after being impaled by an umbrella. Report an error