I still haven't firmly committed my vote in November's Gubernatorial
race. But as time goes by, I would say my vote is increasingly likely
to go to Carole Keeton Strayhorn, the current state Comptroller.

As Kinky Friedman is running a campaign based on largely ignoring the
Texas Panhandle to campaign downstate (a practice I find detestable;
it was first used [to my knowledge] by Bill Clinton in 1992 when he
ignored completely the states that had no electoral importance to
him), and as the Libertarian candidate continues to be a no-show, my
choices are narrowed to Democrat candidate Chris Bell and Ms.
Strayhorn. Perry's been off the block since before the primaries, as
far as I'm concerned. And Strayhorn's responses to myself and to
others has only reinforced my support.

As many of you know, I am an activist against CPS. I am tired of
seeing families ripped apart, often having committed the sole "crime"
of being too impoverished to pay the utilities. So often I find myself
preaching to the wind, as it seems very few people with the power to
make changes are listening to what I have to say.

But Ms. Strayhorn has, to this point, been different. As the person
managing the funds, she has asked some very serious questions about
the CPS system. I contacted her office after her initial statements,
and her office has been diligent in returning my calls and in
providing my campaign with information.

But where is she when the rubber meets the road? One of the families
with whom I have been working had their children removed solely
because of their financial condition. Two years later, they wait for
the children's return, despite meeting every requirement set forth for
them by the state. I told them of Ms. Strayhorn's concerns about CPS,
and suggested they contact her office. She not only returned their
calls, but has worked with them in providing them information to
assist with their case.

In a world where politicians' concerns for individuals seem to begin
and end with their vote, Carole Keeton Strayhorn seems to be a
refreshing exception. She seems to be an individual who truly cares
about Texas, and about Texans, and, unless some earth shaking event
happens between now and November, she has likely received my vote.