Saving the Locke Campaign

Finally, some controversy in an otherwise boring mayoral campaign.

Ever since the Houston Chronicle published a poll showing Gene Locke in third place, the private, high placed, hand wringing of some of Locke's most ardent supporters have become a little more public.  In addition, we are finally seeing some negative campaigning.  Locke's campaign has unleashed its first attack spot on Peter Brown.  The spot, airing on mostly African American radio, alleges that Brown has tried to buy some of the African American ministers' support.

You'll recall that very, very early on in the campaign, Brown announced that he had the support of 100 black ministers.  That included well known heavy hitters like Rev. Bill Lawson and Bishop James Dixon.  Nobody paid a lot of attention to that news conference, but the pastors' endorsement has been making the rounds in Brown's radio buys.  Now that Locke's campaign is basically accusing Brown of attempting to "purchase" votes, it will be interesting to see how Brown responds.  I have a feeling another radio ad is coming very soon. (Maybe from both sides?)

In the meantime, I've run into several of Locke's best supporters over the past few days. Let's just say some are more optimistic than others.  At an early voting location the other day, I chatted up a bold-faced name, wealthy, connected politico who helped recruit Locke.  He said he voted for him, but admitted, he is not too happy with the way the campaign is going. 

"How often do you talk to Gene?" I asked.  "All the time," he answered, "even just yesterday."

"How often has he taken your advice," I asked.  "Not yet," he answered with an obvious sense of frustration in his voice.  It's the same sentiment I've run into talking to some of Locke's closest allies.  They will support him until the end, but this is not turning out to be as easy as they planned.

Fortunately for Locke, other donors are more optimistic.  Mayor Bob Lanier and several major supporters, including outgoing Continental CEO Larry Kellner, held a fund raiser at the Laniers home yesterday.  The event was low key, but well attended.  In addition, the folks at the Houston Police Officers Union are putting their muscle behind Locke.  The Union is sending out several mailers on behalf of Locke.  Many are targeting West-side Republicans.  One of the most powerful mail pieces set to go out soon features the widow of a slain Houston Police Officer. 

As one veteran Houston Police Officer told me, "Gene'll be alright."

This being politics though, people are hedging their bets.  Annise Parker's campaign, feeling more confident that she'll make the runoff, is casually chatting up some Locke's major supporters. There's no supporter stealing going on, but the conversations are centering around the "what ifs."  As in: "What if Locke doesn't make it, are you going to go to Brown, or would you come over to us?"

All this talk aside, our Dr. Richard Murray has still said this is anybody's game.  There's no doubt Locke has a big hill to climb, but no one's saying he can't do it.  Everyone just wishes this campaign is a bit more clear cut.  And it will be, the day after the election!

Comments

[DR]

Smells like Jose Soto. Annise Parke is clearly the oonly Choice! ...Maybe Peter Brown. NEVER Locke. :)

[Wood Davis]

The ad, and I quote, states "our community is not for sale". Now you explain to me how you in your words drew the conclusion when you state that the ad "alleges that Brown has tried to buy some of the African American ministers' support". Give me a break. As a "reporter" I believe your job is still to report facts, and not your own unqualified conclusions.

[Bill Justice]

Because someone has the independence to support someone besides himself, Gene Locke attacks those who have decided to endorse and support actively Peter Brown. Gene Locke is not proving to be a gracious loser.

[beentheredonethat]

Richard Murray has lost his credibility.....He is way out of touch with reality in this city and particularly in this year's city election. I am somewhat surprised however that Miya seems to be as well.

Most on the right cannot stomach the Chronicle. It is seen as a Liberal newspaper Period! In the Black community there is also distrust of the Chronicle.

The irony here is that Locke prides himself as the architect of affirmitive action in the city of Houston. Conveniently, it seems Locke has adopted the concepts first espoused by Robert Mossbacher Jr. in his attempt to win the Mayors office. (he was defeated by Lee Brown)

What provided Lee Brown with a slim margin of victory in the Black community was the whole question of the Affirmitive Action policy at the City. This issue produced a huge turnout in the Black community which would otherwise have been low.

Who led the charge of keeping the policy as it was at that time? The same person in Locke's shameful radio spot about the Black Community being bought...Boys and girls that would be Free Degree Boney...Better known as Jew Don.

[Royko]

I am stunned that the mostly white ultra-Liberal, Politically Correct Houston Chronicle editors would endorse a racist candidate who had enthusiastically tried to “dehonkify” the University of Houston as the next Mayor of our ever-diversity-seeking, world-class city.

One can't count the number of hypocritical "insiders" and elite Houstonians scurrying to help him in this election.

It is best I do not comment further.

[SCAN]

I've been saying it all along... this man is a proven racist. Do not elect Gene Locke!

[Monique]

I have never been so angry, I cannot believe that after years of fighting for equality and colorblind decisions Mr. Locke is asking for my vote because he's black. How about I vote my concious I worked the Obama Campaign Never saw Locke just Peter. I worked the food and Ice line during Houston's last No Gene, Just Peter. I'm a black woman voting for a Good Man not a White or Black Man Just a good damn man!!!