Ahead of today's usual TPA Wrangle, here's my suggestions for Houston's municipal elections, with early voting opening this morning. It's worth noting that Clerk Trautman has expanded these hours for the working class.
For Mayor: Sue Lovell
This seems like a safe protest vote in light of yesterday's UH polling, which reveals Mayor Sly almost within reach of being re-elected without a runoff.
Turner's numbers have strengthened since the last survey was taken.
Lots more of this Tweet thread for you crosstabs kind of people. Buzbee's millions spent on media has them rooting for a runoff for sure.
Way back here I was considering casting my ballot for Derrick Broze, whose website is ... entertaining, to say the least. But I cannot in good conscience vote for someone who was convicted of felony meth possession because he violated parole. That is supposed to make him and others ineligible for the ballot, but somebody at City Hall apparently isn't doing their job. Another thing for me to hold against Turner, I suppose. If the mayor gets pushed into a runoff with Buzbee, I'll vote for him, but not under any other circumstance.
For At Large 1: Raj Salhotra
Everybody likes him, so let's get Mike Knox outta there. Still, with all the others bidding this is probably a runoff, and if Democrats fracture the vote too much -- a typical mistake for them -- Knox could ease his way back around the horseshoe.
For At Large 2: David Robinson
Conservative pastor Willie Davis took him to a runoff last time, but Griff and the others may make it possible for Robinson to avoid that this go-around.
For At Large 3: Marcel McClinton
The young activist gets the nod over Janaeya Carmouche from me because of all of his tribulations, and because I don't have any use for age-related discrimination. (John Coby sucks; that's why his blog no longer appears here).
For At Large 4: Nick Hellyar
I wouldn't have predicted Hellyar would be the liberal favorite last month. I thought Bill Baldwin, the deep-pocketed, well-connected fellow Realtor would have swamped him. But Baldwin hasn't raised (or contributed) much money to his own campaign, leaving me to wonder if he isn't quietly conceding the race to his earnest, well-qualified, and (frankly, overlapping demographical) challenger. Hellyar picked up the Chron's endorsement, making a good impression on them. Dr. Leticia Plummer may still get enough votes to put Nick into a runoff with Nepotism Dolcefino despite the latter's questionable residency qualification.
For At Large 5: Ashton P. Woods
My favorite candidate this cycle. I much prefer radical activists over establishment robots like Sallie Alcorn, who is probably favored to win here, but either would be a vast improvement over Jack "You don't Die from the Flu" Christie.
Dislodging or blocking these conservatives from Council goes a long way to a better city. Let's hope those suburbs and exurbs have purpled up, like the analysts keep telling us.
I've got the alphabet council races, state constitutional amendments, and more coming.
Early Voting starts Monday, October 21 at 7 AM! This year, you get to choose where to vote with help from the Harris County Poll Finder Tool. Get step-bystep bus, driving or walking directions on your phone or through Facebook Messenger! #voteYOURway pic.twitter.com/7FcaHxGQaZ— Harris County Clerk (@HarrisVotes) October 19, 2019
For Mayor: Sue Lovell
This seems like a safe protest vote in light of yesterday's UH polling, which reveals Mayor Sly almost within reach of being re-elected without a runoff.
The poll, published on the eve of early voting, shows Turner with 43.5 percent support among likely voters, followed by lawyer and businessman Tony Buzbee at 23.4 percent. Bill King, Turner’s 2015 runoff opponent, trails with 7.8 percent, while 6.8 percent of voters said they support Councilman Dwight Boykins.
Turner's numbers have strengthened since the last survey was taken.
Notable stats:— Jasper Scherer (@jaspscherer) October 20, 2019
—At least 1/3 of undecided voters say they are considering Turner as one of their top two options
—80% of Buzbee supporters rated Trump “favorable”
—King and Boykins’ name ID is below 50% #hounews https://t.co/Tj0ZXjJSlj
Lots more of this Tweet thread for you crosstabs kind of people. Buzbee's millions spent on media has them rooting for a runoff for sure.
Today, w/@ChronOpinion endorsing @SylvesterTurner (https://t.co/xc9zTVRaRH), @TonyBuzbee takes out a full-page ad listing prior Chronicle-endorsed candidates who lost: pic.twitter.com/UgXdqZmhV1— Jasper Scherer (@jaspscherer) October 20, 2019
Way back here I was considering casting my ballot for Derrick Broze, whose website is ... entertaining, to say the least. But I cannot in good conscience vote for someone who was convicted of felony meth possession because he violated parole. That is supposed to make him and others ineligible for the ballot, but somebody at City Hall apparently isn't doing their job. Another thing for me to hold against Turner, I suppose. If the mayor gets pushed into a runoff with Buzbee, I'll vote for him, but not under any other circumstance.
For At Large 1: Raj Salhotra
Everybody likes him, so let's get Mike Knox outta there. Still, with all the others bidding this is probably a runoff, and if Democrats fracture the vote too much -- a typical mistake for them -- Knox could ease his way back around the horseshoe.
For At Large 2: David Robinson
Conservative pastor Willie Davis took him to a runoff last time, but Griff and the others may make it possible for Robinson to avoid that this go-around.
For At Large 3: Marcel McClinton
The young activist gets the nod over Janaeya Carmouche from me because of all of his tribulations, and because I don't have any use for age-related discrimination. (John Coby sucks; that's why his blog no longer appears here).
For At Large 4: Nick Hellyar
I wouldn't have predicted Hellyar would be the liberal favorite last month. I thought Bill Baldwin, the deep-pocketed, well-connected fellow Realtor would have swamped him. But Baldwin hasn't raised (or contributed) much money to his own campaign, leaving me to wonder if he isn't quietly conceding the race to his earnest, well-qualified, and (frankly, overlapping demographical) challenger. Hellyar picked up the Chron's endorsement, making a good impression on them. Dr. Leticia Plummer may still get enough votes to put Nick into a runoff with Nepotism Dolcefino despite the latter's questionable residency qualification.
For At Large 5: Ashton P. Woods
My favorite candidate this cycle. I much prefer radical activists over establishment robots like Sallie Alcorn, who is probably favored to win here, but either would be a vast improvement over Jack "You don't Die from the Flu" Christie.
Dislodging or blocking these conservatives from Council goes a long way to a better city. Let's hope those suburbs and exurbs have purpled up, like the analysts keep telling us.
I've got the alphabet council races, state constitutional amendments, and more coming.
