Tom Schieffer to make gubernatorial run

Democrat has close ties to former Pres. Bush

Updated: Monday, 02 Mar 2009, 5:36 PM CST
Published : Monday, 02 Mar 2009, 11:49 AM CST

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Tom Schieffer chose Texas Independence Day to announce he plans to run for governor in 2010. The former international diplomat with close ties to former President George W. Bush is forming an exploratory committee allowing him to raise money and campaign for the office.

"I am going to travel throughout the state and hear what people have to say," said Schieffer.

Schieffer served as a Democrat in the Texas Legislature in 1972 and spent the last eight years serving as ambassador under the Bush administration.

"The only Republican I've ever contributed to is George Bush," said Schieffer. "I'm a Democrat, and I believe in what the Democratic party stands for."

Schieffer served as both ambassador to Japan and Australia between 2000 and 2008 and said his exploratory committee plans to announce his official bid for governor in a couple of months. However, Schieffer said he does not plan on putting his own money in the campaign.

"I have not started raising money yet, but I think the money will be there," he said.

Schieffer said he did not yet have concrete proposals but believes Texas needs to strengthen its educational system.

"From traveling to many other countries, I can tell you that if we don't prepare them [children] for the future, we will be a developing country."

Schieffer is the first Texan to make a bid for the Democratic nomination for governor. Both Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison have announced they plan to run in the Republican primary.

"I think if we don't plan to change the political dialogue in Texas today, we are going to face the consequences," he said.

Schieffer said he thinks there is an opportunity for a Democrat to be governor more now than there was in the past.

"I think if you don't run, you've got no chance," said Schieffer.

 

 

 

blog comments powered by Disqus

 

Tom Schieffer_20090302113432_JPG

Tom Schieffer

Gubernatorial run

With the current list of candidates, who will you vote for Texas governor?
See Results
Error: Please select a vote.Error: Please enter the text from the image above.Error: No vote was submitted. Please try again.Error: Our log shows that you have already voted once.
Large Map
Advertisement
  • Texas gubernatorial race
Perry digging for info on Hutchison
Perry digging for info on Hutchison

When Gov. Perry started asking Dallas City Hall for information…

Perry said Hutchison slacking on duties

Gov. Rick Perry is taking aim at Republican rival Kay Bailey Hutchison, suggesting she is…

Hutchison files papers to run for Gov.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is hinting at running for Texas governor in 2010 as she filed …

Perry reports $6.6M in campaign cash

Republican Gov. Rick Perry is reporting $6.6 million in campaign cash as he looks toward …

Perry says he plans to seek re-election in 2010
Perry says he plans to seek…

Republican Gov. Rick Perry said he will run for an unprece…

Session '09: One on one with Gov. Perry

The State of the State Address is set to be delivered next week by Texas Governor Rick …

Gov. Perry's State of the State address
Gov. Perry's State of the State address

It is truly an honor for me to be here with you today. Lt. …

Advertisement
  • Most Popular Headlines
Advertisement

Site Tools