A successful bid by Sanchez, 57, of San Antonio is considered remote by some political experts because Texas is one of the most Republican states in the nation.

Republicans hold every major statewide office and retiring senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has held her seat with little opposition since first winning it in 1993.

Sanchez's military record may also be a strike against him in the conservative state.

The straight-talking Texan was commander of coalition ground forces in Iraq during the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal and was also criticized for his handling of the Iraqi insurgency that erupted under his watch.

He emerged as one of the most vocal critics of former Republican president George W. Bush's administration and the Pentagon after his 2006 retirement and has repeatedly called for the creation of a truth and reconciliation commission to learn the origins of the Iraq war.

But Sanchez, who grew up poor on the South Texas border, points to his own improbable rise as proof that seemingly impossible things can be done.

After going to college on a military scholarship, he left the Army 33 years later as one of the highest-ranking Hispanic officers in the service's history: a three-star general.

Sanchez is expected to campaign as a serious officeholder who can bridge the nation's partisan chasm.

"Here in Texas, too many families are struggling to get ahead," Sanchez said in announcing his decision to run for Senate.

"Unfortunately, Washington is mostly focused on scoring partisan points and winning elections. I believe Texas needs a strong, independent voice to address the enormous challenges we are facing - leadership that focuses on results rather than politics."

But the race is his first and Sanchez admits the odds are against him.

The Republicans have a supermajority in the Texas legislature after last year's election that saw Democrats swept from offices around the nation. One nonpartisan report called Hutchison's seat "likely Republican."

Democrats, who actively recruited Sanchez, think they have a shot. A key to Sanchez's bid will be the chance to win over large numbers of Hispanic voters.

The retired general's fluent Spanish, strong Catholic faith and childhood of poverty could boost his appeal in the heavily Hispanic state.

Republicans are likely to hit back at him over Abu Ghraib, even though the Army cleared him of wrongdoing. They also are expected to lambaste his criticism of the Bush administration's handling of the war.

One possible, and formidable, GOP candidate is the incumbent lieutenant governor, David Dewhurst.

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