Strayhorn files paperwork for 2009 Austin mayoral run

AUSTIN (AP) - Former gubernatorial candidate Carole Keeton Strayhorn has filed paperwork appointing a campaign treasurer in a bid to run again for mayor of Austin.

The filing Wednesday with the city clerk's office allows Strayhorn, elected Austin's first woman mayor, to begin raising and spending money on a mayoral campaign, but it does not officially place her name on the ballot.

The Austin American-Statesman reported in its online edition Thursday it could not reach her for comment.

Campaign treasurer Louise Epstein said Strayhorn has been urged to run for mayor in May 2009 by friends and supporters.

She started politics as a Democrat, serving as Austin mayor from 1977 to 1983. She switched to the GOP before her election to the Texas Railroad Commission and then comptroller.

She ran unsuccessfully for governor as an independent candidate in 2006, losing to incumbent Republican Rick Perry.