Combs, Not Yet a Candidate, Flashes Cash

Comptroller Susan Combs isn't a 2014 candidate yet, but she wants you to know that some of the Republican Party's money people are on board and that she's got a pile of cash in her campaign treasury.

Combs has said she's interested in the lieutenant governor's job, if it's open. Earlier this week, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst announced he'll run for U.S. Senate next year. If he loses that race, he'll still be lieutenant governor, but the announcement prompted Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson to confirm his candidacy for the state post, and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples reminded supporters and reporters that he's got an exploratory campaign underway.

The comptroller's announcement included a list of financial supporters and this line: "With $5.3 Million in the Bank and Strong, Statewide Finance Team, Combs Well-Positioned for Future." It didn't mention what she's running for, so we asked.

"She is building a strong team for whatever the future holds," said Eric Bearse, a spokesman for her campaign. "She continues to give serious consideration to running for lieutenant governor, but doesn’t believe now is the time to announce her candidacy for an election more than three years away."

The names at the top of the list include Ernest Angelo Jr. of Midland, James Huffines of Austin, Woody Hunt of El Paso and Patrick Oxford of Houston.