| Since Tom Schieffer, a former Bush appointed Ambassador, announced his Gubernatorial exploratory committee, a lot of Texas Democrats have wondered if a candidate with a stronger Democratic history would come forward. Well, another candidate has said he is close to filing paperwork, but it is probably not the one you were hoping for. From the Statesman's Postcards from the Lege blog: Friedman told me today he’ll decide by the end of this month whether to start an exploratory committee—a step enabling him to raise money for a bid.
“It’s time to win,” Friedman said. “If I were to win the Democratic nomination, I have the best chance of winning” against Gov. Rick Perry or Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who are expected to face off in the 2010 GOP primary. “I’m the only (prospective candidate) since Ann Richards who can excite the grass roots,” Friedman said. “If we run a generic Democrat, we’re going to get beat again.” Richards was governor from 1991 to 1995. I asked him if he’d place Tom Schieffer of Fort Worth, the former ambassador, in the generic category; Schieffer started his Democratic gubernatorial committee on Monday. Friedman said he doesn’t know Schieffer. So what’s he depending on before starting his committee? “Mostly my conscience,” Friedman said, and “mostly if I can bring about the betterment of Texas.” Also, “can I win where I don’t think the others can?”
It will be interesting to see how, exactly, does Friedman believe he will "excite" the Democratic grass roots. |
