Gay Houston Mayor Candidate Annise Parker Ahead In Polls

[Richardo]

(x-post from LBN)

(AP) HOUSTON -- Houston's openly gay city controller has pulled ahead in the race to be mayor of the nation's fourth largest city, just two days before a runoff election, according to a new poll.

It's believed if Annise Parker wins Saturday's runoff, it would make Houston the nation's largest city with an openly gay mayor.

Parker leads former city attorney Gene Locke 49 percent to 36 percent, according to a poll released Thursday by Rice University in Houston.

Parker has never made her sexual orientation a secret or a focal point during her six years on the City Council and the last six years as controller.

But it took a more prominent role in the mayor's race in the weeks leading up to the runoff as anti-gay activists and conservative religious groups have endorsed Locke and sent out mailers condemning Parker's "homosexual behavior."

Locke has been trying to distance himself from anti-gay attacks while courting conservative voters who could tip the race in his favor.

Rice political science professor Robert Stein, who oversaw the poll, said the attention on Parker's sexual orientation has probably hurt Locke more than her.

"It denied Locke an opportunity to win over traditional white liberal Democrats," Stein said.

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Any Houston citizens? You know what to do tomorrow. :patriot:

For non-Houstonians, Ms Parker is one of the most qualified candidates for mayor we've had in a VERY long time. She's not just the usual local business magnate looking for a political springboard. She knows the city's finances and its needs, and knows how to manage both.

[AnneD]

1. We are very proud of this race....

either candidate has a good record. But Annise is stellar. She is a tireless public servant. She did wonders as comptroller and saved the city millions upon millions for dollars visa via her audits. She was on the city council. She builds consensus groups where ever she goes. When she showed up at our church-I concluded she must have shook hands with everyone in Houston. Even homophobic types love Annise. We were all very sad when term limits meant giving up Bill White as mayor, but Annise makes up for it. She brings a great record of public service to the table. You can't tell I'm partial. We all loves us some Annise Parker.

And Bill White? He may not be the most charismatic political, but he was a damn competent mayor. He will carry Houston and the surrounding areas in a gubernatorial race hands down.

I voted early both times and although I known Gene Locke and his family and really like them-Annise got my vote both times.

And about those really right wing folks that are so negative?... well, as we say down here, they are as welcome as a dog turd in a punch bowl. Annise has been too gracious and folks that smear her just end up looking bad.

[Libertas1776]

2. Kick ass!

[ccharles000]

3. wonderful