>> “Houston, the eastern most suburb of San Francisco.” Is that right?
Mrs. Tick was born there, and I do a lot of business there. I always thought of Houston as quite conservative — overall, perhaps, the MOST conservative large city in Texas.
Problem is, there is Houston proper, and lots of little incorporated areas in and around Houston, in the “Houston SMSA”. So maybe between Katrina refugees, the large minority ‘Rat population, and who knows what else, Houston proper has gone over to the dark side.
But the major industry is oil & gas, and those folks are pretty conservative as a group.
Just my 2c
That'd had been my take, also. Remembering I live about as far from Houston as possible without being in Canada? LOL
"Problem is, there is Houston proper, and lots of little incorporated areas in and around Houston, in the 'Houston SMSA'."
Up here we've the same thing around The City of Milwaukee; which, is itself located within Milwaukee County. Milwaukee County has many cities, towns & villages commonly referred to as 'suburbs' and all have their own political bent.
So, I [now] get-it.
"So maybe between Katrina refugees, the large minority ‘Rat population, and who knows what else, Houston proper has gone over to the dark side."
Makes complete sense; especially, the displaced Katrina 'refugees'. FWIW I belong to a sports car board and while I do not "know" any of the Houston members? I have heard them complain, since the arrival of 'refugees' from NO et al, their vehicles have been robbed. Tires/wheels stolen etc whereas before it wasn't a major issue.
"But the major industry is oil & gas, and those folks are pretty conservative as a group."
And naturally those people live in the suburbs.
Gottit. ;^)
"Just my 2c"
More than that, an education for which I thank you kindly. :^)