Lesbian Is Frontrunner In Houston Mayoral Race

Annise Parker is an openly gay former city councilwoman of Houston, Texas who is running to become the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city. Parker has been reported to be in the lead in published polls and has now been endorsed by her city's major newspaper, the Houston Chronicle:

Houstonians are fortunate to face a difficult choice for mayor this year between two exceptional candidates, public law attorney Gene Locke and City Controller Annise Parker. It's likely one or both will be in a runoff after the first round of voting winds up on Nov. 3.

With the city facing critical financial decisions early next year as a result of the economic downturn, the next mayor will occupy a pivotal leadership position. Parker and Locke offer deep roots in the city and a dazzling range of life experiences and public service that would well equip either to serve as the successor to term-limited Mayor Bill White.

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The city's voters are very familiar with Parker, a Rice University graduate who worked in the energy sector for two decades while compiling a record as a civic activist, including a stint as president of the Neartown Association. She has won six citywide races: three for an at-large City Council seat starting in 1997, three for controller.

You go, girl!