Leffingwell joins Austin mayor's race

AUSTIN (KXAN) - After months of hinting, City Councilman Lee Leffingwell filed papers on Friday for the Austin mayor's race, joining a growing crowd of candidates - some of whom are raising big bucks already. 

  Leffingwell already has about $6,500 on hand. Leffingwell joins Carole Keeton Strayhorn and Mayor Pro Tem Brewster McCracken, who have already announced they are running.

McCracken has raised close to $18,000 and has seven planned fundraisers in the coming months. Meanwhile, campaign finance reports show Strayhorn has raised about $41,000. Her campaign is called Carole for Austin 2009. The Carole for Austin 2009 campaign released a statement about the latest campaign contributions Friday.

"In a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet, it is truly humbling to have those folks say to you, 'I believe in you,'" said Strayhorn.

Even though the race is not until May, the push for votes is underway. Strayhorn announced at a local business on Monday she feels energized to lead Austin into the future and wants the city to be fiscally responsible. However, Strayhorn did not specify Monday how she plans to fix problems.

A group in support of Leffingwell was pushing for him to run even before he filed necessary paperwork. If elected, Leffingwell wants to create a green collar jobs council, sell carbon credits and committ to never selling the Austin airport, Austin Energy or other publicly owned utilities.

McCracken is a champion of local business, renewable energy, create new jobs and making downtown Austin more affordable for families. McCracken said unlike his opponents, he will be the better leader for Austin in the 21st century economy.

Leffingwell's official announcement will happen Saturday.