Rumor Mill in High Gear
Speculation of Democratic slate shaping up
By Richard Whittaker, 1:51PM, Mon. Nov. 23, 2009
The announcement that Tom Schieffer is stepping out of the governor's race in favor of Houston Mayor Bill White has stirred some interesting rumors about a potential statewide Democratic slate, with some very interesting names attached (first reported by Jason Embry over at the Statesman, but getting substantiated by other sources).
First up, the local heavy hitter rumor (repeat, rumor):
Sen. Kirk Watson: Lite Guv.
Sen. Eliot Shapleigh: Land Commissioner
Hank Gilbert: Agriculture Commissioner
Former Congressman Nick Lampson: Comptroller
Laredo State Rep. Richard Raymond's name is also being dropped heavily as considering a run for state office. So far, the only big-name Democrat running for a down-ballot seat is Barbara Radnofsky, who has her aim on the attorney general's office.
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