Does Being Governor of Texas Qualify You for the Presidency?

Dear Editor,
    In the spring of 2001 my wife and I visited friends in Austin. Having some free time that rainy day, we took the walking tour of the state Capitol. The well-educated and articulate young woman serving as guide enriched us all with her informative presentation. During one of the walks between the stopping points, I engaged her in conversation about the influence of governors on state affairs. She staggered me by saying that in Texas the constitutional power of the governor is really quite limited, that far more power is in the hands of the lieutenant governor and two or three other officials, that aside from the veto pen, the governor is essentially a figurehead.
    When we returned to our home in Pennsylvania, I asked the chair of political science at Westminster College (Pennsylvania) if this information was correct. He quickly replied, "Oh yes, there are only two or three other states who limit the governor's power as much as Texas."
    So for eight years we endured a "figurehead-in-chief" in the White House who rode into office on the claim of having been the chief executive of the great state of Texas. Now I understand why, in answer to a reporter's recent question, "What was your favorite job?" George W. Bush answered, "Being governor of Texas."
    My concern now is that another Texas governor is nudging toward running for president. In this early stage of next year's election, I entreat you to look into this office he holds, and alert the electorate that it is in no way a legitimate qualification to be the nation's chief executive.