Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Schieffer is getting out of the race this afternoon, sources said Monday morning. "He just couldn't put it together," said one.
"I can't comment," said Clay Robison, Schieffer's spokesman. Schieffer didn't immediately return calls.
More as this develops.
There should be a press conference today at 3pm at the Texas Capitol.
Provided this is true -- and I don't think the Texas Tribune would break a story like this if it weren't true -- then Schieffer dropping out makes room in the Democratic primary field. Should he drop out, it would also free up a number of endorsements from Democrats who had previously pledged to support Schieffer.
Tom Schieffer entered the gubernatorial race in March, beginning a long conversation about the need for public education to improve in Texas. And while some Democrats were concerned about his candidacy, many others were proud of the way he aggressively traveled the state to talk to Texas Democrats about the immediate need to have a new Governor in Texas.
Zada True Courage, in an e-mail she sent out through Carl Whitmarsh' e-mail list back in August, summed up Schieffer's determination very well:
The guy's been running since March 2009 and he has been traveling around meeting with County Chairs and County Executive Committees. The last time I saw him in July, he was in Corupus, San Antonio, and Kendall County in less than 48 horus. For those who have never campaigned for office, I have to tell you this takes energy and some commitment!
Schieffer worked extremely hard as a candidate. I look forward to what he will say this afternoon, and ultimately I'm happy to have him back in Texas.
More as it develops...
