I'm not paying much attention to politics right now, but BOR broke the story that John Sharp is being named to a panel appointed by Governor Perry to "study taxes to pay for public schools". As this Statesman article notes, that almost surely means he ain't running for Governor next year.

As also noted by BOR, this blue-ribbon panel idea is one that Chris Bell has been promoting.

Last but not least, here's a statement on the announcement from longtime Sharp consultant Kelly Fero. I wish John Sharp much success in his new role, and I salute Governor Perry for coming to recognize the need for such a thing.

UPDATE: Here's Bell's statement on this.