Carole Keeton Strayhorn
PER
Carole Keeton Strayhorn Strayhorn
Governor Perry is facing not just a Democratic opponent, former Representative Chris Bell, but also probably two independents, the comptroller, Carole Keeton Strayhorn, and Kinky Friedman, the gadfly country singer, and humorist. Ms. Strayhorn, long a Republican who left the party to challenge Mr. Perry as an independent and is collecting signatures to get on the ballot, said she would not comment on the tax plan until it was formally presented, or quantify the surplus before providing the figure to lawmakers. Ms. Strayhorn said, maintaining that electronic gaming at racetracks could underwrite raises for teachers and other new money for education issues she said should be part of the special session.