Who would have thought 10 or 20 years ago that a gay person could win 62% of the vote in a city race in the largest city in Texas? It says a lot.

It does indeed... in her terms on Council, Parker was at least once nearly ousted by a concerted right-wing effort against her. That such things no longer happen is in part evidence that Houstonians are now looking at her record, not her orientation.

In fairness, you have to admit that Parker has everything to recommend her: bright, knowledgeable, diligent, concerned, analytical and a good businessperson, she is in many ways the ideal public servant. I had the privilege of interviewing her as part of an endorsement committee; in person, she is unassuming and reflective, very much aware of the limitations and responsibilities of the office she sought and will now hold.

I suppose if I went on, my praise could sound too good to be true. But it is true. Houston is very, very fortunate that Parker is returning to City Hall, especially in this capacity.

I pushed cards for Peter Brown today. Of course I was disappointed, but Brown was philosophical about it: the loss was expected, especially as he was a newcomer running against a well-funded incumbent, and the amazing thing to most of us is that Brown came close enough to give Sekula-Gibbs a good scare. My sense... my hope... is that we haven't seen the last of Brown.

All in all, this was a good runoff. On days like this, I'm glad I live in Houston!

Bah! (Waves hand dismissively).