Houtopia has an interesting report about a local campaign development.
We have been particularly interested to learn in recent days that at least a few Harris County incumbent Republican judges have been actively seeking the endorsement of the Houston Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Political Caucus — HGLBT for short.
This development is eye-opening to say the least. Perhaps more than any other group, the GLBT community has been the recipient of venom from religious conservatives. And the idea that any incumbent Republican official here would actively seek the Caucus’ endorsement, much less accept it if offered, would have seemed laughable just a few months ago. Apparently, fear of losing can be a powerful motivator.
Don’t get us wrong. We are glad to see some of these judges now acknowledge what many of us have known for a long time, that the GLBT community matters, just like everybody else, and that its votes count too, much as that may bother certain people.
So, it’s good that some of these Republican judges have decided to screen with the HGLBT Caucus and seek its endorsement. But what will the neighbors say?
Very interesting. The Caucus, which has already endorsed a slew of candidates for November – though no judicial candidates as yet – has definitely established itself as a force to be reckoned with locally. Their endorsement matters. That some incumbent Republicans now think so is a pretty amazing statement about where Harris County is these days.
So, some Republican judicial candidates are willing to risk the wrath of Hotze et al.? I don’t think this is exactly “profiles in courage” material, but it sure does imply desperation on the candidates’ part. The HGLBT may have some impact on the general election, but I bet the almost certain appearance of flyers on car windows in the parking lots of Second Baptist, etc. will cost them more votes than they would gain if the Caucus did endorse them. Besides, barring some egregious stupidity by a Democratic candidate, I doubt the Caucus would endorse any of them anyway.
I find it amazing that the Caucus would even consider interviewing them. The Harris County Republican Party, after all, is not “gay-friendly” although no doubt the Harris County Republican Party will be sending emails to the party loyals, including the Hotze family, reminding them that given the public impression of the Republican Party in general at this point, every vote counts. Including the ones they really don’t want.