Chris Bell forms exploritory committee

[NoPasaran]

Fellow Texans,

The spirit of new beginnings and new opportunities has filled Alison and me since the New Year. For me, a year of adversity and fulfillment in 2004 has fueled my resolve to continue to serve.

The return to Texas is exciting. While I will always be grateful for two productive years in Washington, Texas is home. And, my friends, Texas is suffering at the hands of a state government awash in mismanagement. Our schools are suffering historic challenges, teen pregnancy rates are the highest in the nation, and the revolving door of influence peddling by former high state officials calls into question the very legitimacy of our government.

Friends, you have always stood by my side. And I value your friendship so very much. Last year, you stood with me against Tom DeLay’s power grab. Now, indeed today, I am asking you to stand with me as I prepare to launch a committee to formally explore running for Texas governor in 2006.

In the coming months, I will be traveling the state to meet and listen to people from every walk of life to discuss the challenges facing Texas and their views on how we pull together to solve them. I am determined to offer innovative and inspiring ideas on policies that will make Texas safer, healthier and better equipped to help every family thrive economically.

-more- http://www.chrisbell.com/

His friends have called him crazy.

But Chris Bell doesn't care. He's formed an exploratory committee for the 2006 governor's race anyway.

The Houston Democrat, defeated last year after a single term in the U.S. House, admits he has a lot of work ahead of him. Not only will he have to build his name recognition statewide, but he's also considering a run when no Democrat holds a statewide office.

Though Republicans call it wishful thinking, Democrats hope the state's growing Hispanic population will fuel a comeback by the party as soon as 2008 or perhaps by 2012.

"You never know when the pendulum is going to swing," Bell said. "Democrats are going to have to get past their defeatist attitude if we have any chance for success in the future."

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/politics/3056515