http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050728/ap_on_...DMzBHNlYwM3MDM-DeLay Critic to Run for Governor in Texas
By JIM VERTUNO, Associated Press Writer
A vocal critic of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay announced in an e-mail to supporters Thursday that he will challenge Gov. Rick Perry in 2006.
Democrat Chris Bell was elected to the U.S. House in 2002 but lost his seat to Democrat Al Green last year after his district was redrawn.
Bell is best known for accusing DeLay of ethical violations. DeLay, a Republican, was instrumental in the GOP-led Texas congressional redistricting effort that resulted in Bell's defeat.
Although DeLay was admonished by the House, Bell was criticized for exaggerating misconduct allegations against the GOP leader.
Bell has been exploring a campaign for governor for months but has struggled so far to gain firm footing in a state dominated by Republicans. The GOP has held every statewide office since the 1998 elections.
Bell reported raising about $153,000 in campaign contributions during the first six months of the year. Maverick independent candidate Kinky Friedman, a musician and author, raised $300,000 in the same period.
Perry and state Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, a GOP challenger, have raised millions.
Felix Alvarado, a middle school assistant principal who ran for Congress in 2002 and 2004, has also said he'll run for governor as a Democrat.