Governor -- Democrat
The best choice for Democrats in the gubernatorial primary becomes more obvious by the day.
Former Houston Mayor Bill White has been the front-runner since the December day he announced he was closing down his U.S. Senate exploratory committee to seek his party's nomination for governor. In a field of seven candidates, White, 55, stands out as bright, serious, and experienced in business and public service.
During six years as mayor of the state's largest city, White worked to make the Houston area the nation's leader in job growth while orchestrating a budget reorganization that reduced the city's unfunded employee pension liabilities. His pragmatic approach to air-quality issues related to natural gas drilling reveals a reasonable balance between public safety and economic development. And his direction of Houston's response to the migration of Hurricane Katrina refugees from New Orleans followed by those fleeing the threats of Hurricanes Rita and Ike highlighted his logistical deftness and humanitarian understanding.
White's appeal to voters -- he was re-elected mayor twice, with 86 percent and 91 percent -- is that he's not a partisan ideologue but someone with an intellect who listens as well as he leads.
Houston hair-care magnate Farouk Shami, 67, may be the challenger whose name is in the news, but not even his millions can save him from himself. His dysfunctional campaign is in free fall, an indicator that success in the private sector doesn't necessarily translate to politics.
The Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommends Bill White in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
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