Cisneros not interested in Senate race

DALLAS, March 3 (UPI) -- Former Clinton administration Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros says he is not considering a run for the U.S. Senate from Texas next year.

Cisneros, who heads a home building business, said he is content to remain in the private sector, The Dallas Morning News reported.

"I don't have any plan to run for the Senate," he told the News. "I'm not considering it."

Cisneros' decision is a disappointment to Democrats hoping to develop a ticket for next year that would appeal to Hispanics, the News said.

The former San Antonio mayor had earlier ruled out running for governor in 2006, saying last year he was encouraging Democrat John Sharp, a former state comptroller, to run.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, is considering challenging Gov. Rick Perry in the GOP primary next year, which would open up the Senate race.