Texas Gov. Richards Considers Taking Sen. Bentsen’s Seat

During the period since Lloyd Bentsen announced he was resigning from the Senate to become Treasury secretary, Texas Gov. Ann Richards, who must select his temporary successor, is considering whether she should take the seat herself.

Although Richards remains uncomfortable with the notion of leaving the governor’s office in the middle of her first term, many of her advisers are encouraging her to change her mind.

“The national Democrats in particular are concerned enough about holding this seat that they are looking for the very best candidate, and that candidate is Ann Richards . . . “ said Democratic consultant George Christian.

Richards has not made up her mind, several sources stressed, and would prefer to stay in Austin and find a replacement for Bentsen who can prevail against a strong GOP challenge.