TEXAS

By HILARY HYLTON

A Democrat credited with being one of the savviest politicians in Texas has donated $2,500 to GOVERNOR GEORGE BUSH'S re-election campaign. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BOB BULLOCK wrote a check to the Bush campaign at an Aug. 21 fund raiser at Austin's Four Seasons Hotel. "It wasn't a Democrat-Republican thing," says longtime Bullock spokesman Tony Proffitt. "He feels Bush has been good for Texas."

Bullock has praised Bush in the past and suggested that anyone who takes on the popular Governor will be on a "kamikaze mission." That includes, says Bullock, Democratic land commissioner GARRY MAURO, who is reported to be poised to enter the race, and to whom Bullock donated $1,000 earlier this year.

Unsurprisingly, the Bullock donation was well received in the Bush camp. "Governor Bush was very touched," says Bush's press secretary, Karen Hughes. "He very much appreciated Lieutenant Governor Bullock's generosity."

--By Hilary Hylton