AUSTIN – A Democratic lawmaker ended months of speculation Tuesday and said she won't run for governor.

State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio said she believes Republicans have shown "a stunning lack" of leadership on such issues as health care, teen pregnancy and affordable homeowners insurance.

But she said she wished to spare her family the brutality sure to be part of the 2010 campaign. She urged fellow Democratic senator and former Austin Mayor Kirk Watson to get in the race, calling him a pragmatic, energetic leader.

She did not mention announced Democratic candidate Tom Schieffer, who backed Republican George W. Bush when he ran for governor and president.

Van de Putte, a pharmacist, comes from a major city, has been active in party politics and was co-chair of the National Democratic Convention last year in Denver.

Christy Hoppe

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