Schieffer enters race for governor

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Former  Texas Rangers executive Tom Schieffer has officially announced he will run for governor as a Democrat.

Schieffer made the announcement Wednesday at the Fort Worth elementary school he attended as a child.

Schieffer said the Democratic Party "still offers people the best chance to realize their dream."

In spite of his alliance to the Democractic party, Schieffer twice voted for President George W. Bush and served as ambassador to Australia and then Japan under Bush. Their relationship dates back to when both were members of the Texas Rangers investment group, with Schieffer serving as president of the franchise.

He acknowledged that if he wins the Democratic nomination, he likely will face one of two tough Republicans: Gov. Rick Perry or Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who are battling for the GOP nomination.

His brother, Bob, is a longtime reporter and anchor for CBS news.