CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Former Miss Universe Irene Saez says she's running for state governor, two months after her bid for Venezuela's presidency collapsed.
Saez, 37, told reporters Friday that she is officially a candidate in the March 14 governor's race in Nueva Esparta state, which includes the popular tourist destination, Margarita Island. The incumbent, Rafael Tovar, was re-elected in November but died after an operation three weeks ago."A lot of polls have been conducted and the support of the people of Nueva Esparta is impressive . . . because I've shown how to manage a government, and above all, govern with honesty," said Saez.
The 1981 Miss Universe said the leftist Patriotic Pole coalition that helped former coup leader Hugo Chavez win the Dec. 6 presidential race was backing her, though that could not be confirmed immediately.