2010 Race for Governor of Texas

Posted on by

Politicians are like diapers; they both need changing regularly and for the same reason. – Unknown

Local political races don’t interest me much, largely because there are so many that I don’t want to put in the effort to follow them. However, I do have some interest in the races for our highest offices.

I haven’t followed Rick Perry, whom a friend calls Governor Good Hair, much during his long tenure as our governor, but he strikes me as a polished, suave, career politician. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I can’t help but wonder how any person can stay in politics for a lifetime, particularly in the same position for multiple terms, without being corrupted by the perks of power. That’s one reason I support term limits. (see quote above – trust me, I know a lot about dirty diapers)

With regard to Perry personally, I dislike his tacit support at a Tea Party rally for secession of Texas (are you kidding me?), his refusal to debate the other candidates for governor, his attempts to paint Washington as the enemy of Texas, and his flaunting of the environment in favor of Texas businesses. So while I’m sure he’s done some good for Texas (we have weathered the recession better than most states, although Perry doesn’t deserve all the credit), I wouldn’t mind seeing a new face in the governor’s office. Is Bill White the right guy?

I think he is. Here’s why:

  1. Business Experience – He has experience both in politics as mayor of Houston and Deputy Secretary of Energy and in business as a successful lawyer and executive. I think it’s helpful for a politician to have success in a real job instead of only knowing how to be a politician.
  2. Energy Expertise – His experience in the energy sector prepares him well to help Texas manage one of its most important issues – our need to find viable, affordable, and sustainable sources of energy.
  3. Environmental Leadership – He understands that Texas needs to stop leading the nation in greenhouse gas emissions and is willing to fight the companies that contribute to the problem.
  4. Transportation – He has a better plan for managing and funding our transportation needs.
  5. Education – He helped reform education and significantly cut the dropout rate in Houston. He also understands that there’s more to a successful education than TAKS scores.

I’m certainly no expert on either candidate, but I like much of what I’ve read about White so far. Sure, he’s not flashy, doesn’t toss out zingers like some politicians, and definitely can’t compete with Perry’s hair. Who cares? White has what it takes to get the job done and won’t make the rest of the country confuse the great State of Texas with the not-so-great Republic of Texas.

He has also won endorsements from many of the largest newspapers in Texas. The Dallas Morning News recently endorsed him, as did the Houston Chronicle, the Austin American-Statesman, and the San Antonio Express-News.

Helpful Links

What are your thoughts?