What began as a mere whisper has turned into an outcry — rumors that Harris County Judge Robert Eckels is set to resign from office to join LoneStarTimes.com as a full-time blogger.

Via this morning’s Houston Chronicle:

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels said Wednesday he is mulling offers from the private sector and can’t rule out walking away from the four-year term he just won in November.

An early resignation would create a political whirlwind in county government, where officials serve without term limits and open seats are rare.

“In the last 90 days I’ve had conversations with a New York firm and international investment banking firms,” Eckels said, saying he often has been approached by lobbying and law firms interested in hiring him.

“I have had more serious discussions than in the past. They are more concrete.”

He is contemplating those offers, he said, but it is premature to talk about who he is “visiting with.”

“I don’t have to decide today. But I don’t rule out anything,” said Eckels…

Hmm…

… Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Paul Bettencourt talked to Eckels Tuesday. Bettencourt declined to divulge the particulars of their conversation, but said his fellow Republican gave him the sense that he was seriously weighing other options.

“There’s no doubt Robert is considering doing something else,” Bettencourt said.

Hmm…

KHOU’s Doug Miller has more:

One of the most powerful political leaders in the Houston area tells 11 News he may resign.

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels said he’s seriously considering leaving office to take a job in the private sector.

Eckels has lead the one of the biggest city governments in the nation for 12 years as Harris County Judge.

He presides over the Harris County Commissioner’s Court and won national media attention for his leadership during the Katrina evacuee crisis.

He said two law firms have contacted him in the last six months, and an aide said he’s also been contacted by an investment banking firm.

And he could also make a lot of money as a lobbyist.

But now he said someone is talking to him about a job that does not involve lobbying, and he’s considering taking it.

“I’m interested. I’d be foolish not to consider it,” he said…

Hmm….

For now, Eckels, who is out of town on business this week, says he has not signed a contract with the unidentified potential employer, but he confirms he’s engaged in serious discussions over a job that could lead to his resignation as Harris County Judge.

Reached for comment while relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Grand Cayman, LoneStarTimes.com publisher and sole revenue receiver David Benzion issued the following statement:

“I have no comment in direct response to the ever-growing chorus of rumor and speculation that Judge Eckels will soon be joining LST as a full-time blogger.”

“I will simply say this–Robert Eckels is a honorable and decent man and a fine public servant, and I have long been impressed by his good humor, wit, and excellent typing skills.”

“With the addition of the massive revenues now being generated by LST’s online store, let’s just say that ‘all options are on the table.’”

Stay tuned to LST for further developments…