Democratic candidate Tom Schieffer quits Texas governor's race

[AlphaCentauri]

Source: Dallas News

Fort Worth Democrat Tom Schieffer has decided to end his bid for governor of Texas, The Dallas Morning News has learned.
Schieffer has struggled to win money and support, and he began calling campaign supporters to confirm his plans to abandon the race.

"He just couldn't get traction," said Houston Rep. Garnet Coleman, a Schieffer supporter.

His campaign has scheduled a news conference for 3 p.m. today where Schieffer will announce his decision, which already has sparked word within Democratic circles that Houston Mayor Bill White might switch from the U.S. Senate to governor's race.

Some Texas Democrats have never warmed to Schieffer because of his longtime ties to George W. Bush. Schieffer was a partner with Bush in running the Texas Rangers baseball team. After Bush was elected president, Scheiffer was appointed ambassador to Australia and Japan.


Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/tarrant/stories/112309dnmetschieffer___.2e548dacb.html

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Also

U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, a Democrat who confounded the GOP by winning six consecutive elections in a heavily Republican district, will not seek re-election next year, key Democrats said Sunday.

http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/20614

[derby378]

1. Best thing for Schieffer, really...

I wish him well, but a Democrat with that many ties to Bush is not what we need in the Governor's mansion.

I'm rooting for Hank Gilbert, myself. If he drops out, it's Farouk Shami for me.

[Craftsman]

2. Don't forget Bill White

[derby378]

8. I just heard the news...

WOW. That means Sharp is running unopposed in the Senate primary, which boosts his chances of winning in November exponentially since he doesn't face a primary challenge like KBH probably will if she commits to the gubernatorial race.

John Sharp in 2010!! :bounce:

[bluestateguy]

3. Texas Democrats tried nominating a Bush-loving good old boy in 2002

Tony Sanchez. And he had gobs and gobs of money. He ended up outspending Rick Perry 2-1.

He lost 58%-40%.

[Better Today]

4. Isn't he CBS's Shieffer's son? I can't recall where I've read that, I thought here a few years ago.

[GETPLANING]

5. Bill White was a very good mayor

Pragmatic, not a political zealot. He would make a great governor. Texas sure needs one.

[Naked_Ape]

14. White for Senate

White could do a lot more good as a Senator. The TX governor's office is weak. Senate is where the real power is.

[AlbertCat]

17. The TX governor's office is weak.

That's what I thought. All they do is execute people.

[optimator]

6. who is the leading Dem candidate

now?

[derby378]

9. Possibly Hank Gilbert

But Kinky Friedman is taking another shot at the Governor's mansion, this time as a Democrat, and Farouk Shami has also committed to the primary as well - a businessman, yes, but a Democratic businessman who's bringing jobs to Texas instead of shipping them out.

[Texano78704]

11. Hank who?

And Kinky is no Democrat, regardless of what he calls himself.

[onestepforward]

12. Check him out...

www.hankgilbert.com

[Zen Democrat]

7. FYI: Schieffer is Bob Schieffer's brother ... and Bill White is now running for Governor.

He was planning to run for the Senate, but apparently Schieffer dropping out has changed his mind.

GREAT! He's a good man.

[Texano78704]

10. Could be both

Senate and Governor

[peaches2003]

13. Don't know him and I'm sure he's a great guy, but

somehow I don't see the reactionaries (a kind word compared to what I really think of them) in TX voting for anyone named Farouk Shami.

[damntexdem]

15. Good. He was too identified with Dubya.

That is not what Texas Dems, nor any Dems, need.

[Xenotime]

16. Damn. Who does that leave?! Kinky?

[UTUSN]

18. HooRAY for SCHIEFFER getting the X out!1 & bite your tongue about Kink-ASS being an option!1 n/t