Burnt Orange Report

BORed - Live Blogging a Campaign Party

By Matt Hardigree

You're old pal Matt here, liveblogging from the two campaign parties at the old Rice Hotel in downtown Houston with Dan Laugharn (an old campaign pro). If you're in the area, it's on the corner of Texas and Main. The victory party for Bill White, Houston's incumbent Mayor, is taking place next to the victory party for Peter Brown, City Council Hopeful.

The mood is congenial, as both are asured a victory. This is a great departure from last year when I was doing defeat-shots of tequilla and downing Bud Light at the Max Sandlin "Campaign Wrap-up" party (what you have when you lose.) I ended up getting driven home by a campaign staffer who was nice enough to pull over before so that I could relieve myself in a ditch. Unfortunately, the ditch was full and I got wet.

So, in a night that could be full of dissapointment, it's nice to be somewhere warm and victorious.

Unfortunately, the beer is $4.50 a pop so I've got to make a run to the ATM. More as the night progresses.

**UPDATE ONE**

Just spoke with Mary Benton, who is also covering the election night parties. I know some people may be down on the MSM, but I must say she was quite helpful in describing how to cover a campaign party. According to her, the key is to capture the flavor. The other key is to stay at the side with the free bar.

The crowds are very similar at both parties because, well, they're right next to each other and everyone is making an appearance at both. The Brown side is more cramped or, if you will, more cozy. There's more of an atmosphere of togetherness. So, Advantage BROWN.

As alluded to earlier, the Brown party is sporting a fierce cash bar ($4.50 for a Shiner, C'mon). The White party has complimentary wine. Advantage WHITE.

Mary Benton is spending a little more time at the Brown side and, as we've mentioned, we love Mary Benton. Advantage BROWN.

Nothing says campaign party like a band and Brown has a nice little three piece jazz trio. However, Mayor White, now at 94%, is sporting a great six-piece band with a vocalist (who does a great cover of that Norah Jones song I like). Advantage WHITE.

The tie-breaker is the slogan. As Dan points out, the Mayor's campaign is "Get Moving Houston." Well, he's been the mayor for a term. What was he doing, sandbagging it? C'mon. Peter Brown, an architect, has "Building a Better Houston." Advantage BROWN.

We'll check in again after some complimentary drinks.

**Update Two**

As promised, people are dancing to the music of Klockwork (not to be confused with Kraftwork). They've promised to dance ALL, NIGHT, LONG. Brown is currently up to 53.5% with 12% reporting. White is down to 91%. The place to be is right between the Brown and White parties in what we're referring to as the beige party. If only Jeff Beige had run.

The Mayor should be coming down shortly. Update on District B - Khan is beating Khan by a strong margin. Captain Kirk is still pissed

** Update Three** Bill White has entered the building to the tune "Start Me Up," making us again wonder what was happening during the first term... other than the hurricanes and fixing the street lights.

We also snuck in a question before he talk to the MSM, our question:

"How do you respond to claims that you've been running up the score?"

His answer:

"We didn't campaign much. We just did good government."

Oh Mayor White, you're so modest.