Gov. Rick Perry, watch your back. The Bill White for Texas campaign is gathering momentum with a fresh-faced coalition of supporters that call themselves New Leaders of Texas and they mean business.

More than 100 of these young and not-so-young professionals and interested parties schmoozed with the would-be governor Tuesday night at the hipster Continental Club. Unlike most hit-and-run political appearances, White was in place when the doors opened at 7 and was still there after addressing the group more than an hour later. He even took time to snack on bites from Tacos A Go-Go and have a beer while spreading the gospel.

Good news for the former Houston mayor on this night — financial goal for the meet-and-greet was $50,000. When the doors opened, the kitty was over-flowing with $70,000 and people were writing checks as they entered. As New Leaders of Houston event organizer Caroline Starry LeBlanc said, "We are very, very, very pleased."

The New Leaders group, inaugurated in Austin earlier this summer, is comprised of voters in their 20s, 30s and early 40s, new faces that have not necessarily participated in politics previously. A statewide leadership retreat is planned for this weekend at a ranch in Brenham. "This is something that has really taken off," White said.

Matt Ellis, statewide associate finance director of White's campaign, commented, "Don't call us 'young' professionals. That's an excuse for not giving money. We're not young anymore. We are rising into positions of authority in our various professions. It's time for us step up and take responsibility for our state."

As White explained the concept, "These are young leaders who just want new leadership in our state that is forward thinking."

And who are those that embraced the New Leadership concept? In the mix were Jared LeBlanc, Chris Brown, Elin Jackson, Cali Alvarado and Peter Pettigrew, Joey Romano, Nicole Laurent, Olin Boudreaux, Diedra Fontaine, Linda and Mike Breslin and Katherine and Mark Yzaguirre

Stay tuned for similar rallies in Dallas and San Antonio.