FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Dec. 7, 2009

San Antonio leaders endorse Bill White for Governor
San Antonians emphasize White's strong leadership and inclusive record

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -- San Antonio leaders will endorse Mayor Bill White for Governor, emphasizing his strong leadership and track record for fighting for the issues that matter most to Texas families. The endorsing group has served communities across San Antonio and is comprised of both individuals who shaped the course of Texas' history and individuals who are working to improve Texas' future.

White, a San Antonio native, filed to run for Governor on Friday and attracted crowds of hundreds in Houston and Austin over the weekend. Today's event will be held at:

Former State Senator Joe Bernal will introduce White. Bernal knew White as a child, and in 7th grade, wanting to learn more about state government, White served as a page in the state legislature under Bernal. That year the legislature passed Texas' first minimum wage bill.

"Houston is quite a diverse place. It is impressive how Bill was able to bring people from all walks of life together to move that city forward and institute major changes," said Bernal. "I am especially proud to see how he handled himself during the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He showed extraordinary leadership in a time of crisis, and we need more of that in the State Capitol."

State Senator Letitia Van De Putte emphasized White's leadership style and focused on the future.

"It is time for new leadership in Austin. Texans deserve a governor who puts the needs of Texas families above political rhetoric," Van De Putte said. "Bill White has displayed the kind of common sense, consensus building leadership that we need in Austin to move this state forward and ensure a brighter future for the next generation of Texans."

County Judge Nelson Wolff concluded, "Mayor Bill White has exibited great leadership while serving the citizens of Houston. I have great confidence he will do the same while serving our great State of Texas as Govenor."

Endorsing leaders in San Antonio will include:

*Denotes the endorsing leaders who cannot attend
County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson
Former State Senator Joe Bernal
Mary Esther Bernal
State Representative Joaquin Castro
Councilman Phil Cortez
County Commissioner Paul Elizando
State Representative Joe Farias
Former Mayor Phil Hardberger
Former Councilwoman Delicia Herrara
Nico LaHood
Councilman Ray Lopez*
State Representative Ruth Jones McClendon*
State Representative Jose Menendez
Choco Meza
Councilwoman Jennifer Ramos
US Representative Ciro Rodriguez*
Commissioner Chico Rodriguez
Councilman Justin Rodriguez
Former Mayor of Balcones Heights Johnny Rodriguez
Councilwoman Ivy Taylor*
State Senator Carlos Uresti
State Senator Leticia Van de Putte
State Representative Mike Villarreal *
County Judge Nelson Wolff

The son of San Antonio school teachers, White helped build a law firm and managed a successful business before being elected Houston's mayor in 2003. Since then, he's been re-elected twice with 86% and 91% of the vote. During White's administration, Houston led the nation's cities in job growth, adding more jobs than sixteen states combined. At the same time, he cut property tax rates five years in a row and helped seniors with tax relief. White also started a special initiative that gives returning veterans the welcome they deserve with coordinated social services, reductions in red tape, and employment opportunities. After Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike, Bill White mobilized an effective disaster response including first responders, businesses and churches. For the compassionate, hands-on leadership after Katrina, White received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2007. Previously, he served as Deputy Secretary of Energy of the United States.

For more information, please visit www.billwhitefortexas.com. To be added to the press list, please email press@billwhitefortexas.com.

Contact:
Katy Bacon
katy@billwhitefortexas.com
713.501.3991

*UPDATE Tuesday, December 8: US Representative Henry Cuellar's previous inclusion on the list was an error.