Many of you Mustangs may not know what’s going on in the Texas Gubernatorial Election so we thought we’d give you a quick rundown of the candidates, Rick Perry and Bill White, so you can start forming opinions for yourselves.

Rick Perry

Republican Candidate

Key Credentials:

Graduate of Texas A&M, degree in animal sciences

United States Air Force

Representative for a rural West Texas district in state House of Representatives

Elected into statewide office (Texas Commissioner of Agriculture)

Lieutenant governor

State’s 47th governor

Priorities:

Economy: wants to emphasize state’s resources through tourism advertising and forming tighter bonds with foreign nations.

State Issues: focuses include border security, public safety and criminal justice

Enhancing Texas: hopes for key changes to the way Texas managed its infrastructure and resources.

Citizens and Families: advocated initiatives that include protecting marriage and increase parental rights

Education: increased emphasis on key subject areas (math, reading, science)

*All information taken from http:governor.state.tx.us/

Bill White

Democratic Candidate

Key Credentials:

Graduate of Harvard University

Graduate of University of Texas Law School

Houston’s Mayor (two times)

Recipient of FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

Priorities:

Economy: attract new business to the state and allow small businesses to grow

Education: expand pre-kindergarten programs; make college education more affordable for Texans

Transportation: use transportation infrastructure efficiently by encouraging new programs such as flexible working hours.

Energy: promote more environmentally friendly energy sources

Health Care: work to increase access to affordable healthcare for families

Veterans: ensure veterans receive respect and services they need

*All information taken from http://billwhitefortexas.com