BURNET – While political winds swirl with whispers that Burnet County Judge Donna Klaeger may run for higher office, she's not ready to make that leap just yet, the judge said Sept. 26.
That includes seeking a seat in the state House as part of the nascent District 20, the fate of which is still being decided in a redistricting lawsuit.
“I think it’s very nice that people are even talking about it,” said Klaeger, a Republican. “But I love my job. I love representing Burnet County and working with the people. Is anything possible? Well, yes. But is it probable? No.”
The rumors got started with political wags in Austin last week after District 20 state Rep. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, announced he was running for state Senate District 5.
Incumbent Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, said he is not seeking re-election to the District 5 seat.
Klaeger’s name surfaced as a potential candidate for District 20, one of many new House districts created this spring by the Legislature under redistricting following the 2010 census.
District 20 includes Milam, part of Wiliamson and Burnet counties.
Several organizations are challenging the Legislature's redistricting efforts in court, claiming they dilute minority voting strength across Texas.
Klaeger, meanwhile, said her name came up in an Austin-based press account that claimed she was looking at Schwertner's House seat if he planned to run for the state Senate.
Among other things, the court challenge to the district is enough to keep her out of the race, she said.
“We still don’t know how the district is drawn,” Klaeger said.
Previously, Burnet County was in House District 54 represented by Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen.
Klaeger has served as the Burnet County constitutional judge since 2007.
While she wouldn’t rule out a run for higher office at some point, Klaeger said the time isn’t right to pursue the District 20 seat.
“If I did decide to run, I’d have to resign (as county judge) almost immediately – at least in the next eight to 12 weeks – because the (Republican primary) election is only a few months away (in March),” Klaeger said.
Still, Klaeger isn't ready to say that she wouldn't seek higher office at some point.
“You never say ‘never’ and you never say ‘no,’” Klaeger said. “Because in the end, it’s all in God’s hands.”
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