November 23, 2009 6:01 PM

Tom Schieffer Drops Out of Texas Gov. Race

(CBS/AP)  Democratic candidate Tom Schieffer has dropped out of the Texas governor's race and urged Houston Mayor Bill White to seek the nomination instead.

Schieffer, a former state lawmaker who served as ambassador to Japan and Australia under Republican President George W. Bush, says he couldn't convince people that he could win. Attention in the governor's race has been dominated by the Republican primary batle between incumbent Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Schieffer said, "I frankly found it difficult to raise money. I just couldn't convince enough people that I could win."

Meanwhile, Schieffer said he, like other Democrats, are urging White to join the race. White planned to speak to reporters Monday afternoon.

Tom Schieffer is the brother of CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent and "Face the Nation" anchor Bob Schieffer.

© 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Add a Comment
by wdh3007 November 23, 2009 8:55 PM EST
Maybe the GOP should consider Perry in 2012!
Reply to this comment
by kansas1946 November 23, 2009 7:37 PM EST
Only in Texas would a lunatic like Perry be elected governor in the first place.
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