It was technically closed to the press, but representatives of Planned Parenthood, and the candidates for Mayor of Houston allowed me to have a few minutes to take pictures at the mayoral forum.
Annise Parker, Gene Locke and Peter Brown were invited to speak to the crowd about their position on women’s reproductive rights and health care.
Their comments were off the record (since it was closed press) but it’s safe for me to report that Planned Parenthood, like any other organization, wouldn’t invite candidates to speak unless they are considered friendly to their cause.
In this case, I’m not sure what impact and influence the Mayor of Houston has on issues like annual exams, counseling and abortion services.
I suppose Planned Parenthood wants to make sure that the next mayor takes a stand in support of women’s reproductive rights and promotes the need for accessible and affordable health care.
The forum was sponsored by the Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas Action Fund, which is the political action committee for Planned Parenthood.
Meanwhile, the election is still five months away and it seems like the candidates are out every night speaking to different groups or attending political fundraisers.
By election day, November 3, 2009, there is going to be no excuse for you to say that you aren’t voting because you don’t know enough about the candidates.
Mary Benton Media 
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