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.

This article appears in November 20 • 2009.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.