Grandma's gearing for a comeback

AUSTIN - Carole Keeton Strayhorn (perhaps you know her better as "One Tough Grandma") who seemingly has run for every political job in Austin, is preparing to throw the proverbial hat in another ring.  This time, it's for Austin mayor, a position she occupied from 1977 to 1983, before becoming Texas Railroad Commissioner, Texas Comptroller and an unsucessful candidate for governor in 2006.

The irrepressible politician, 69, filed preliminary paperwork with the Austin City Clerk's Office on Wednesday, enabling her to begin raising and spending money for the mayor's race in May.  Her campaign treasurer and long-time friend Louise Epstein, a former Austin city council member, hints strongly that you might start looking for an official announcement after the holidays. 

Epstein, who has known the former mayor for four decades, told PoliTex that Stayhorn's interest in the mayor's race follows the wishes of "many thousands of us who are pestering her to do it.''

Oh yeah.  That "One Tough Grandma" nickname from her last campaign?  Don't expect it to reappear on the next go-around, says Epstein.  "Austin has a special and close relationship with Carole,'' she says.  "And when you say Carole, that's all you need to say."

-- Dave Montgomery