Houston Runoff Election - Dec 10th, suggestions?

[Justitia]

Hi all...

RE: runoff election choices

Definitely voting for Sue Lovell, position 2.

Need help with District C City Council seat.

My guy (Mark Lee) didn't make the runoff.

It's down to George Hittner (worked in GWBush's 98 campaign)
or
Anne Clutterbuck (Culberson's campaign mgr, repub convention delegate)

Both seem to be bad repub options (sigh).

Help - who is least worst?!?!?!?

Thanks!

[PDittie]

1. No advice here

They're both Pukes. I won't vote in this race.

[jobycom]

2. Not voting is a vote in itself.

If you vote, but skip a race, that gives future poll analysts the info that you vote but weren't happy with either choice. They adjust future campaigns accordingly. You might give courage to some Dem sitting on the sidelines with just the right message to win in that district. He or she will see that a lot of people refused to vote for either candidate, and will see those votes as up for grabs.

I don't normally like leaving a slot blank, but if both choices are abhorent, I won't lend either credibility with my vote.

However, if one is truly more liberal or moderate than the other and it's a close race, vote for the one closest to your views. Only skip it if there is really no choice between the two.

[Justitia]

6. Good advice - an angle I had not thought of.

In echoing PDittie's response, I have previously vowed to never pull a lever (or turn a wheel, in this case) for a republican.

The only reason I was considering it was fear of not voting in regards to local priorities.

However, your comments make sense to me and I plan on abstaining from a vote on this race altogether.
Frankly, it also feels better to me!

Thanks for your insight!

[CitySky]

3. why Lovell over Aiyer?

just curious. I had gotten the impression Aiyer was the more progressive of the two. Also Gordon Quan's endorsement has weight with me. But of course Lovell has even more endorsements.

Guess I just wanted to hear what you like. :)

[WestHoustonDem]

4. I question that too CitySky

I've met them both and prefer Jay. I have heard some things about the conduct of past campaigns, which, if true, also make me prefer Jay. However I have a very good friend who has know Sue for years and thinks she's great.

[merci_me]

8. I also plan to vote for Jay

whom I don't know. However, he has strong endorsements from the current office holder, Gordon Quan, someone whose opinion I value highly and the endorsement of former Harris County Democratic Party Chair, Sue Schechter. Since Sue and I seem to almost always fall into the same camp, I thought Jay would be my logical choice.

I know there were some very nasty political moves early on and I heard it came as a big surprise to some people who had always supported Lovell in the past. I'm not sure what they were all about, though WestHoustonDem may have the info on that.

[WestHoustonDem]

11. Try this

http://www.gregsopinion.com/archives/005953.html
Sue accused Jay of campaign irregularities early on in the race. It is my understanding she did not back her Democratic opponent who made it into the last runoff when she did not and instead backed a Repug. That was before I paid much attention to City politics, so perhaps someone can confirm or refute that. Greg refers to another alliance she has made with a Repug in the above link. Keep in mind that Greg is a big supporter of Jay.

[merci_me]

12. I saw discussions

on greg's blog, but it got so long and involved that I didn't even attempt to keep up with it. By that time Quan and Schechter had already endorsed Jay and with so many things other going on here, I figured I'd just stick with Jay.

I also did notice that people who had said in the past how great Lovell was and who belonged to some of the same organizations for years, were doing fundraisers, etc for Jay.

I was sure the winner would be one of the two of them and maybe and as it turned out, a run-off between them, it still keeps the position Democratic, so it's not a major thing, not enough to read all those blog entries. Maybe over drinks? hahaha.

Mary

[WestHoustonDem]

13. Over drinks any time. If you're free Saturday night

we'll be posting about a get together for Saturday soon.

[Justitia]

5. recommendation of a friend on the TX Human Rights Foundation

whose political opinions I normally trust. She was impressed w/Sue's work there and conveyed her impressions to me.

However, I have no personal exposure to either candidate myself and I am still very much of an open mind.

I certainly prefer the most progressive candidate.

I would love more info to make the most informed choice - can anyone help me out or point me to some good info re: Lovell vs Aiyer?

Thanks!

[WestHoustonDem]

9. I'd start here

http://www.suelovell.com/ and http://www.jayforhouston.com/

You may also find my live blogging of a debate between them useful:
http://www.houstondemocrats.com/archives/2005/10/live_blogging_f.html

[Justitia]

10. Thanks! I'll be taking a much closer look at this race. -eom

[CitySky]

14. Thanks for the useful discussion/links

I'll read the online debate when I have more time, before Dec. 10 for sure. :) I voted for Jay the first time around and probably will again, but like others here just want to be as informed as reasonably possible!

As to the Hitlist/Clutterbuck or whatever race, i too would abstain if I lived in your district, sorry to say. :( it's easy living in my district, D. We had ONE choice: Ada Edwards. Now there's a box I had no qualms about checking!

[ananda]

7. I never vote Reep..

.. don't care what the choices are.