Will Conservative Voters Choose Houston’s Next Mayor?

On Tuesday, Houston Mayoral candidates Gene Locke and Annise Parker made the first  joint appearance following the general election.

Parker and Locke answered  questions  in front of   the Pachyderm Club, a group of  conservative republican voters.

While city of  Houston races are officially nonpartisan,  republican voters could become swing voters in the runoff  election.

During the November 3rd general election, republicans voted overwhelmingly for conservative Roy Morales, who finished in fourth place.

Unless they plan to stay home on December 12, GOP voters will have to choose either Locke or Parker.

The crowd appeared receptive to listening to the candidates speak, and applauded when both Parker and Locke vowed not to raise property taxes if  elected. 

Locke told the crowd that he would focus on creating jobs, and making Houston safer by  keeping  public safety his number one priority.

Parker emphasized her experience as a city hall insider.   She’s served on council and as controller, and vowed to run a transparent  administration.

 This appearance comes days after the Parker campaign blasted Locke for meeting with conservative republican activist Steven Hotze, who according to press reports, is leading an anti-gay vote movement.

Parker, who is openly gay, is attempting to link Locke to this conservative crusade, but she did not bring up the issue  during the event.

Locke told reporters that he met with Hotze once prior to the general election, and Hotze did not endorse his campaign for Mayor.

Meanwhile, 2 on the Beat has learned that both campaigns have agreed to two televised debates, and negotiations are continuing for a third debate.

I’ll post the dates as soon as a debate is confirmed with KPRC Local 2.