Could the impending U.S. Senate race reprise the historic 1961 contest that gave Texas its first Republican senator since Reconstruction -- and made a shadow party viable?

In the past year or so, traveling the various geographies of this country has become increasingly depressing. From the baked Sun Belt suburbs to the green Valhallas of Oregon and the once luxurious precincts of Manhattan, it is hard to find much cheer--at least from entrepreneurs--about the prospects for the economy.

Houston Mayor Bill White today announced that he intends to seek election to the U.S. Senate from Texas.

"Working for my neighbors as mayor has been a great honor," said Mayor White. White was re-elected as mayor of the nation's fourth largest city with 91% and 86% of the vote.