Houston Election May Prove Historic

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB126057851102188215-lMyQjAxMDI5NjEwMjUxNzI4Wj.html ^

[Def Conservative]

HOUSTON -- It was no great surprise when some religious leaders and conservative activists voiced fierce opposition to the mayoral candidacy of Annise Parker, a gay woman. But voters here have largely dismissed the issue as insignificant, even though she could become the first openly lesbian mayor of a major American city.

Ms. Parker, a city controller who has been elected to local office six times with little controversy over her sexual preference, is the leading candidate in Saturday's election runoff.

"This is about the best person for the job, period," said taxi driver Arthur Berry, 48 years old, who said he was leaning toward Ms. Parker. "I could care less if she is a lesbian. She has the right experience."

Still, Ms. Parker has faced some attacks from some who fear she will push a radical gay agenda. "We have a very aggressive campaign by homosexuals to assert philosophical control over city government, and the real victim here is the traditional family," said Dave Welch, executive director of the Houston Area Pastor Council, a group of 200 Christian church leaders.

[Mike Darancette]

What would be historic is a breeder winning in West Hollywood.

[RoadTest]

If your idea of history is to turn America into Sodom.

[fwdude]

I lived in Houston about 15 years ago and parts of it weren't so bad then. Some of the friendliest people you've ever met - I'd never had friendly conversations initiated by perfect strangers than I've seen in Houston.

I guess those people moved out over the last decade.