The southern U.S. state of Texas is holding primaries Tuesday, for the Democratic and Republican Party candidates for general elections in November.
The primaries are for U.S. senator, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and other seats.
President Bush travels from Washington to Texas later Tuesday to cast his ballot. White House spokesman Scott McClellan refused to respond to reports that someone at the White House forgot to file an absentee ballot request for Mr. Bush.
Also, in a closely-watched race, embattled Congressman Tom DeLay and three others are vying to be the Republican candidate in DeLay's 22nd District.
DeLay was indicted on charges of campaign finance irregularities and stepped down as House majority leader last year. He has also come under scrutiny for his close ties to Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who has pleaded guilty to fraud and tax evasion.
Independent candidates for governor of Texas must gather 45,000 signatures from registered voters who did not vote in the primary. Those hopefuls include Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, the mother of White House spokesman McClellan.