White Runs For Texas Governor

By KRWG News

Texas – Houston Mayor Bill White is shifting gears, abandoning his campaign for U.S. Senate in favor of a run for Texas governor.

White is considered the Democrats' strongest candidate with $4 million in a Senate campaign account that he can now switch to the governor's race.

He hinted at his plans two weeks ago when said he would consider a gubernatorial run after Tom Schieffer, the leading Democratic contender, pulled out.

White's campaign says he's since received thousands of messages, e-mails, calls and tweets weighing in "on how he can best serve our state."

He officially declared his candidacy for governor Friday.

White is term-limited after serving three two-year terms as mayor of Texas' largest city.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.