Councilmember Peter Brown Hosting Tweeter/Blogger Discussion Friday

by: Peter Brown

Thu Jul 16, 2009 at 02:51 PM CDT

The campaign first announced its most recent fundraising totals on Twitter and has used the platform to communicate about issues and campaign events with Houstonians. Now, the campaign is hosting their first open discussion with the Houston net community on Twitter this Friday.

Come ask him your questions about building an even better Houston before blogger lunch!

Houston Mayoral Candidates Rake in the Cash

by: Michael Hurta

Wed Jul 15, 2009 at 04:29 PM CDT

The Annise Parker for Mayor Campaign released its fundraising totals through June 30 today, raising $810,114.92 from 2,254 donors.

"We're building a grassroots campaign like Houston has never seen before," said Parker. "It will take all of us to keep Houston moving through these tough times to a strong economic recovery - and that's why there is a place in our campaign for everyone to make a difference."

The proof, according to Parker's campaign manager Adam Harris, is in the numbers:

• 2,254 donors - the campaign set a goal of 2,000 donors for the period and easily surpassed it

• 7,008 supporters on Facebook and Twitter - greater than three times those of all Parker's opponents combined

• 1,099 online donors contributed a total of $303,927.87

• In the last two days of the period, 291 donors contributed $42,948 online in response to an email appeal Parker sent to her supporters

• 1,002 donors made 1,144 contributions of $50 or less

• 742 people signed up to volunteer

Today, Gene Locke, former Houston City Attorney and another Democrat, showed that she could be beaten.  From his press release:

The Gene Locke for Mayor campaign today announced that it had raised more than $1.15 million in its first reporting period of the campaign. More than 30% was raised between June 1, 2009 and June 30, 2009, showing the growing support and energy for Locke to be elected the next mayor of Houston.

Locke was the last major candidate to announce his candidacy for mayor on March 26, 2009, midway through the reporting period. Despite his relatively late start, Locke outpaced his opponents, who came into the race as previously elected officials with large war chests and a built-in network of supporters.

"Houstonians are investing in our campaign because they know that when I am mayor I will build a bridge to a new era of opportunity and prosperity for Houston," said Locke. "When I came to Houston I had $20 in my pocket and it's encouraging to start my campaign for mayor with considerably more than that thanks to the generosity of so many Houstonians. We've got a long way to go and a lot of sweat equity yet to earn, but our fundraising success shows the strength of our support."

There are two other prominent names in the race for Mayor of Houston: City Councilman Peter Brown, who happens to be a Democrat, and Harris County Board of Education Trustee Roy Morales, who happens to be a Republican.

Beyond knowing that two Democrats are campaigning with success to become the next mayor of America's 4th largest city, one can't help but compare these numbers to Tom Schieffer's lackluster numbers that were announced yesterday.  True, the Houston elections are a year earlier than the Gubernatorial election (they happen this November), but there are also stricter contribution limits for Houston elections than statewide elections.  In Houston elections, individuals max out at $5,000 per candidate per cycle, and PACs max out at $10,000.  

That makes this comparison between Houston candidates and Gubernatorial candidate Schieffer even more impressive for Parker and Locke while simultaneously more depressing for non-Houston Texas Democrats.   If we are going to stand a chance to win the Governor's seat in 2010, Tom Schieffer must pick it up or someone who is more effective must get into the fray.  This pace just won't keep up with Kay Bailey Hutchison or Rick Perry.

Update: Peter Brown has released his numbers, too; $1.7 million cash-on-hand.  Note that less than a third of Brown's cash-on-hand number was raised during this filling period.  It looks like Gene Locke's release explicitly says his number was for this current filing period and Parker's release implies the same for her number.

Anyways, here is the key part of Brown's release:

Houston mayoral candidate Peter Brown announced today that he has amassed a war chest of over $1,7 million for his election - more than any other candidate in the race.  Brown's support continues to grow and his campaign continues to pick up momentum as the candidates head toward the traditional beginning of campaign season.

"We have exceeded our goal," said Peter Brown.  "Houstonians are responding to my plans to cut crime, bring new jobs to the city and improve our quality of life.  Other candidates might be relying on downtown special interests or  combing San Francisco and New York City for donations, but my campaign is focusing on donors who live and vote right here in Houston - who have a stake in the future of our city."

The Peter Brown for Mayor Campaign has raised over $477,000 since January first of this year bringing his total cash on hand to $1,756,031.

Campaign Poll: Annise Parker the Early Frontrunner for Houston Mayor

by: Michael Hurta

Fri Feb 06, 2009 at 02:33 AM CST

The poll also showed that more than half of Houston voters recognize her name (with no direct word on the name recognition of the other candidates).  Of those who recognized her name, she had 44% favorable to 7% unfavorable, a +37 spread.  That's much wider than Peter Brown's +16 or Gene Locke's +10.

Another memo (.pdf), by Rindy Miller Media, commented on the results of the poll and gave a very bold statement:

Advertising and field organization are expensive in a huge market like Houston's, and Annise starts the race with significant advantages - high name recognition and a strong favorability ratio. Or, to put it in blunt terms again, Annise starts the race with a one to  two million dollar advantage over her opponents. Annise's opponents, all much lesser known, will have to spend a vast part of their war chests simply to gain name recognition.  Meanwhile, Annise will be using resources to grow her advantage, building on her already strong lead and image.    

The elections are in November, so it's a long way off.  Many things can happen in between now and then.  But it should be interesting to watch.  So far, all the major candidates who have entered are also good Democrats.