During the 1994 Texas Gubernatorial election, future-president George W. Bush faced incumbent Democratic Governor Ann Richards who was fairly popular especially as Texas had a strong economy during her tenure. Bush campaigned heavily on faith and cultural values, and it turned ugly when homophobia was used to slander Richards. Many had even questioned Richard’s own orientation despite her being married before and being a mother to four children. Much of the ugliness was blamed at Bush’s friend Karl Rove but he denied being behind the rumors.