McALLEN, Texas (AP) _ Two candidates for governor touted their plans for south Texas during Tuesday visits to the region.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White, Houston’s former mayor, offered a blueprint for the future. Republican incumbent Gov. Rick Perry offered cash.
White promised to work, if elected, toward the area’s longtime goals, such as a veterans hospital and an interstate highway.
Meanwhile, Perry announced nearly $6 million in state funding for a manufacturing research center at the University of Texas-Pan American and two high-tech companies in the region.
Perry’s first election hurdle comes in the March 2 Republican primary, where he faces a bruising challenge from U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
White also has opponents for the Democratic nomination, including wealthy Houston businessman Farouk Shami.