Information About the Gubernatorial Candidates*

Rick Perry (R) Incumbent Began Service: 2000 Date of Birth: March 4, 1950 Education: Texas A&M 1972 BS Home: Austin Religion: Methodist Career: State Representative, Texas Legislature, 1985-1991; Commissioner, Texas Agriculture Department, 1991-1998; Lieutenant Governor, State of Texas, 1999-2000. Web Site: http://www.rickperry.org

A. R. "Tony" Sanchez, Jr. (D) Date of Birth: February 3, 1943 Education: St. Mary's U 1965 BBA; 1969 JD Home: Laredo Religion: Roman Catholic Career: Aide, Office of Texas Lieutenant Governor Ben Barnes, 1970-1972; Director, Sanchez Real Estate Investment Corporation; Majority Stockholder and Board Member, International Bancshares Corporation, Laredo, TX; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sanchez Oil and Gas Corporation, Laredo, TX; Founder, Sanchez Venture Capital Investment; Member, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, 1985-1991; Member, Board of Regents, University of Texas, 1997-present. Web Site: http://www.tonysanchez.com

*Candidate information from Leadership Directories.

NPR News Coverage on This Race

Juan Williams: Minority Candidates Seek High Office in Texas
NPR Senior Correspondent Juan Williams reports on political races in Texas that feature minority candidates reaching out to white voters. Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk is the Democratic candidate for United States Senate. Tony Sanchez is the Democrat's candidate for governor. Both candidates' chances are being bolstered by the state's rising population of blacks and Hispanics. Oct. 31, 2002.
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