So, did Shami ever officially throw his turban in the ring?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2395256/posts
Yes, he made the official announcement on Thursday, Nov. 19 at his facility in North Harris County. He pledged something like $10 million of his own money to make the race. I already see ads about him on some cable channels.
Here’s a blip about the ad and a link to the one minute video of it.
http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/11/farouk-shamis-first-tv-ad-chan.html
Houston businessman Farouk Shami has launched the first ad of his campaign for governor. The 60-second introductory spot began airing statewide on Friday. It ran in Dallas during expensive pro-football time slots Sunday. Two things about it stand out:
Shami doesn’t let anyone know he’s seeking the Democratic nomination.
And he doesn’t speak. Shami, 66, born in Palestine, has a thick accent. He emigrated to this country in 1965. He’s made his wealth — the ad says he has “a multi-billion-dollar company” — in hair care-related products.