Ann Richards Launches Presidential Campaign in Austin, TXSource "Texans love to defy expectations. When I ran for Governor, we had been in an economic slump since the 80s, our bureaucratic system was inefficient, and there were questions about how we would fund education, one of the most fundamental programs the government provides. Well, now I stand in a state that has had periods of growth in spite of a national stagnation, one where over 600 million taxpayer dollars were saved by auditing and updating government systems, and one that now has a state lottery to ensure our children have an education befitting the most prosperous country in the world. We have passed bipartisan legislation to establish a substance abuse program to rehabilitate prisoners and have worked to keep assault weapons and cop-killer bullets off the streets. Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes our shared successes.
I've long been an advocate for change, a shake-up to the system has always helped the little guy, and after 8 years of Bush, 16 years of arch-conservatism at the national level, I think it's damn time we shake things up. After 41 men trying their hand at President, I'd say a woman being President would be a shakeup. If any of you haven't picked up the hint, I'm here to announce my candidacy for President of the United States. It's time we have a sensible progressive vision of the country, and we do away with the fake Texas accent in favor of a real one."
