Gubernatorial candidate Bill White took strides to gain a foothold in Denton County on Thursday as he opened a local campaign office.

Bill White

White was on hand at the 509 S. Locust St. location to speak to a crowd of nearly 100 supporters and those he hopes to sway to his side in the weeks leading up to the November general election.

“We’re ready for results and not just speeches,” the Democrat said, referring to his Republican opponent, Gov. Rick Perry. “Leadership is bringing people together. Here is your part.”

White encouraged people to volunteer at the office to get his message out, but he said he didn’t want anyone thinking the only time they can work is when they are in the office.

“Anyone who has a phone or computer can do something to send a message,” he said.

White laid out his campaign game plan, which includes “out-organizing” his opponent and dealing with accountability.

He theorized that Perry’s game plan would be to scare people, offer big promises, call White a liberal and claim credit for all the good things going for the state.

White said that in addition to larger state issues, he was familiar with the concerns of Denton County, chief among them air quality and natural gas drilling.

White said he would advocate that rules and regulations be established “with monitoring, so responsible oil and gas development will continue, and those who violate rules, we know it and there are consequences.”

White said the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality had little credibility under Perry but that if there are clear rules, the industry is capable of complying.

Attempts to contact a spokesperson for Perry or the county Republican headquarters were unsuccessful.

White’s message resonated with Lori Debetaz, a Flower Mound resident who had little interest in politics before this campaign season.

“I think it’s wrong the way the Republicans are leading this country, and Perry is too much of the standard politician,” she said.

Debetaz said she didn’t vote for Barack Obama but is aligning with both the president’s and White’s platforms.

As to whether White can conquer a state dominated recently by Republicans, Debetaz said, “It will be hard work but it’s doable.”

Perry will visit Denton on Monday to attend an afternoon mixer as well as an event at Texas Woman’s University.

White urged his supporters to use any means to get family, friends and others to support his campaign and help him win the votes he needs on Election Day.

“If you do that, we will start this wave in Denton and Denton County; it will create a wave that will carry us,” he said.

BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is blewis@dentonrc.com .