Schieffer drops gov bid; White may run

AUSTIN (AP) - Democrat Tom Schieffer announced Monday that he is dropping out of the Texas governor's race.

Schieffer, a former state lawmaker who served as ambassador to Japan and Australia under Republican President George W. Bush, made the announcement at the state Capitol.

On Monday afternoon, Houston Mayor Bill White issued a statement saying he would "consider" running for governor and would make a decision by Friday, Dec. 4. White has already announced his intent to run for U.S. Senate.

He asked Texans to give him feedback on whether he should do it by emailing him here . 

"Texans know we can do better than ranking dead last in the nation in the percentage of our population with a high school diploma," he said in his statement - a rather long statement that sounded much like a stump speech. "Texans know we can do better than the last decade of soaring electricity and insurance costs, and skyrocketing college tuition."

More on his statement at the bottom of the story.

Texas Democrats have been urging White to enter the governor's race.

"Texas needs a candidate for Governor that will honor previous generations and build for our future. I believe Mayor Bill White knows Texans need actions – not mere words, and certainly not the typical smoke screens," said Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, whose name has been bandied around as a potential contender for lieutenant governor. "I encourage him to enter the Governor’s race, and I will do all I can to support him in his effort to give Texas the new leadership and the new direction it needs."

White did not rule out a run for governor in an interview with The Associated Press Friday, but he said repeatedly he is focused on his Senate campaign.

 The Texas Democratics released the following statement regarding Schieffer:

“For several months, Tom Schieffer has traveled across out state and met with Texans about the need for new leadership, and it’s clear he's confident Democrats can win in 2010. Tom has proudly served our state and our country, and we appreciate his continuing commitment to help Texas Democrats succeed in 2010.

"This afternoon, I met with our Democratic Gubernatorial candidates to assure them that the Party will conduct a fair, open primary and emphasize the importance of having a complete statewide ticket that works together to win next November.

"As we expected, once the Republican ticket settled, even more qualified Democrats are considering statewide races. We expect a number of capable Democrats to announce for statewide and legislative offices throughout the candidate filing period. Democrats have been gaining momentum in 2006 and 2008, and Texas Democrats are ready to carry that momentum to statewide races next November.

"Texans are an independent people who never back down from a challenge, and we're tired of business as usual from Republican career politicians who always play politics but don't solve problems. Texas Democrats are optimistic that we will field a ticket of mainstream leaders that will restore balance and responsible, problem-solving leadership in Austin after a decade of Republican failure."

Here is the full statement from White:

"Since Friday a week ago Texans from all backgrounds and all regions have asked me to consider running to be our next Governor of Texas. Today I agree to consider running for Governor, and shall make a decision by Friday, December 4th.

"Before then I invite the citizens of Texas to weigh in on this decision by visiting this page and emailing me at billwhite@billwhitefortexas.com.

"Both our next Governor and Senator should bring new energy to the task of moving our state forward. In both positions, we need leadership that can bring our state together and reduce the strident partisanship in both Austin and Washington.

"Texans know we can do better than ranking dead last in the nation in the percentage of our population with a high school diploma. Texans know we can do better than the last decade of soaring electricity and insurance costs, and skyrocketing college tuition.

"Sen. Hutchison has postponed her departure from the Senate and acknowledged that her continued service limits her ability to campaign in our state. I share her belief, and that of her supporters, that we need a new Governor.

"I thank many thousands of Texans who have supported my campaign with their volunteer hours and dollars. I will listen to your views on how we can best work together to do what is right for Texas. I especially welcome advice from the citizens of Texas' largest city, who know me best and have supported leadership by solutions, not just soundbites. You have been my partners in moving Houston forward by finding common ground, and running our City Hall with integrity, in a business-like, financially sound, and inclusive manner.

"Politics aside, Texans should enjoy their friends and family during this week of Thanksgiving and say a prayer for those who cannot be home with their loved ones because they are serving us abroad."