By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-817049.mp3
Dallas –
In an interview Friday with KERA Former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros said he has no plans to run for elected office. But some recent news articles have said he may be testing the waters for a gubernatorial race in 2010. KERA's Shelley Kofler says he wouldn't absolutely say "no."
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The former US Housing Secretary and San Antonio Mayor says he's heard the speculation.
Cisneros: I absolutely have no expectation plan or thought about running for anything
The 61-year old Cisneros has been mentioned many times as a possible Democratic candidate for Governor or the US Senate. In 1997 he left his job as US Housing Secretary in the Clinton administration after a controversy involving payments to his former mistress. He pleaded guilty to making false statements to federal officials, but says that would not necessarily keep him from running for office .
Cisneros: I am not considering it but if I were to consider it would be what are the needs in Texas and can I make a difference or not. Is there anybody else that can do this and do it better. And frankly I think there are.
Cisneros says he's now focused on growing a national business that will build homes for moderate income families. But just when you think he's not at all interested in elected office, he says this:
Reporter: So you haven't said no, but it doesn't sound like you are pursuing it.
Cisneros: Well, I could say no. But, um, obviously one has to think about it. I think the answer is no. But who knows. (Laughs)