Democrat running for governor could find simply owning a gun isn’t enough for Texas voters

Guns could be a tough topic for Texas candidate

AUSTIN, Texas — If he were running for governor of New York, Democrat Bill White would probably be considered a pro-gun enthusiast. He’s got a shotgun and a 9 mm pistol, opposes any new laws on firearms and says he’d like to sign up for a concealed weapons permit.

But this is Texas, where incumbent Rick Perry shot a coyote and enjoys hunting deer with a bow and arrow.

The love of weaponry is so ingrained in state culture. Against that backdrop, White heads into the 2010 governor’s race playing defense on a powerful political issue.

The biggest liability for White is his past membership in a gun-control group. White says he resigned after finding its positions too restrictive, but his participation in the group riled those who live to preserve Texas’ pro-gun culture.