Rain Doesn’t Stop Political Rally

The threat of flooding and a tornado watch didn’t appear to dampen the spirits of the people who attended the Gene Locke for Mayor campaign rally Saturday morning.

Good thing the  rally was held inside Minute Maid Park at Union Station, otherwise Locke would have been talking to more empty chairs than people.

The rally had a respectable turnout which included a lot of familiar faces,  community leaders, political types and grass roots organizers.

Some of the big names throwing their endorsement behind Locke were:  Astros owner Drayton McLane, former Mayor Bob Lanier and his wife Port Commissioner Elyse Lanier, Constable Victor Trevino, Lobbyist Dwight Boykins, Rusty Hardin, former city council mayor pro-tem Gracie  Saenz, former Kemah Mayor Bill King, Pauline and Jr. Higgins, the Honorable John Peavy,  Artee Jones and a host of others.

City Councilman Ron Green and his wife Justice of the Peace Hillary Green were also at the  rally.  Green, who is running for city controller against Locke’s opponent  and current controller Annise Parker,  stressed that he is remaining neutral.

2 on the Beat arrived late, but witnessed enough to make a few observations:

1. the sound system was terrible

2. Mr. Locke is probably an effective speaker in the boardroom, but he really needs to show some passion and enthusiasm in his campaign speeches.

This is Locke’s first time running for political office, and he faces City Controller Annise Parker (www.anniseparker.com) who is a well known to voters and is having no trouble winning endorsements and raising money, city councilman Peter Brown (www.peterbrownforhouston.com/)  also a formidable  challenger,  and Harris County Board of  Education  Trustee Roy Morales (www.roymorales.com )

Finally, I spotted Parker’s campaign manager Adam Harris at the Locke Rally. (opposition research!) He kindly reminded me that I need to take 2 on the beat and my camera to the next Parker campaign event!