Not really a surprise, I guess. A shame, but not a surprise.
State Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, will run for re-election next year instead of launching a statewide race for comptroller.
The five-term legislator says allies encouraged him to run for comptroller, which he briefly considered before deciding to stay where he is.
“Before this and still today, I believe the state is hungering for a different type of leadership that is pragmatic and that focuses on real problems facing Texas families, Villarreal says.
Starting Monday, folks can go to his new website www.mikevillarreal.com where those problems will be explored. The new site also will feature on-line video.
When the reports of his run first emerged, I was hopeful but not expectant. It’s a tough jump from State Rep to statewide, especially if you don’t start out with a million bucks or so in your campaign account. But the House is where a lot of the up-and-coming talent is, so unless some of these folks get a shot at the Senate or a Congressional seat or something like that, it’s what they’ll have to do, probably starting in 2014. I’m glad to have Mike Villarreal in the House, but sooner or later we’re going to need people like him to make the leap.