He was a former U.S. Ambassador to both Australia and Japan, and the former President of the Texas Rangers Baseball team. And today, former Democratic member of the Texas House Tom Schieffer was in Laredo--just two days after announcing he's running for governor. Our Cynthia Cano has the story.
"He touched on everything from border violence, to education reform. Gubernatorial hopeful Tom Schieffer, once a democratic member of the Texas House, told a room full of contemplative listeners about his theories on immigration and even the border wall. 'I think the wall won't work. I think it's been billions of dollars wasted. What we're going to have to do is have a realistic immigration policy,' said Schieffer. Policies, he went on to say, that would recognize those already working in the states--giving them a path towards obtaining green cards and, ultimately, paying taxes. He also mentioned partnering up with Mexico to help improve their overall economy. 'There has to be a more prosperous Mexico if we're going to stem the tide of illegal immigration,' Schieffer said. And as far as bringing in troops to help curtail the violence along the Mexican border, Schieffer said it all goes hand in hand with immigration policy. 'I don't know that more troops along the border are as necessary as our need to have a better immigration policy. I think when we have a better immigration policy, we'll do better,' he said. Aside from issues pertaining to border safety, Schieffer also touched on educational issues--like whether or not the TAKS test should remain in place. 'I think you have to have a way of measuring children's successes. But I think there's been too much emphasis on just taking that test. And we don't want the whole school year to be about taking the test. We want the school year to be about educating our children,' Schieffer said. All in all, Schieffer says he was glad he had the chance to visit Laredo and listen to some of the issues that are in need of most attention in the area. 'I came down here to talk to people so they have a chance to see me and ask questions and I'm also down here to listen because I think it's important for politicians to not do all the talking and to listen to what's happening down here and I hope to be that kind of governor,' he said." Cynthia Cano, Pro 8 News. Schieffer is the younger brother of longtime CBS newsman Bob Schieffer. Current Governor Rick Perry has announced he will be seeking re-election in 2010. Elections will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2010.