As I mentioned earlier, an endorsement list from a group calling itself “Christians for Better Government” which was released to CEWDEM who then sent it out to his readers has appalled many folks; not because of who was endorsed, but because of a personal attack on two of the mayoral candidates (including an attack on Annise Parker).
Since then, a few candidates and local leaders have released short statements condemning the group for their attack:
Gene Locke: “I vehemently reject this so-called ‘endorsement’ from a group calling itself ‘Christians for Better Government.’ Furthermore, as a church-going Christian, I reject any association with this bogus and divisive style of campaigning. I find the message contained in their press release to be reprehensible, and the people of Houston do, too. I trust Houstonians to choose a new mayor based on the issues and the candidates, and not to be swayed by this kind of ugly rhetoric.”
Annise Parker: ”I commend Gene Locke for rejecting the purported endorsement announced by a group calling itself “Christians for Better Government.” There is no room in this city for bigotry, whether it’s based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender or any other difference between us. We are all Houstonians in a wonderfully diverse city and that is what makes us strong.”
Herman Litt–At-Large #1: “I emphatically reject the endorsement from a group calling itself Christians for Better Government. I reject any association with the group and the bigoted message found in their press release. This type of offensive language is repulsive to me. The people of Houston deserve better and are certainly not interested in this type of campaigning. Houstonians are interested in campaigns and candidates who will help the City become a better place to live and not in things that will tear it down.”
C.O. “Brad” Bradford: “The bigoted message of endorsement by a purported group calling itself ‘Christians for Better Government’ is not needed, not wanted, totally offensive and WRONG! There is no place in Houston for such hatred. I condemn this type of activity and ask all others to reject such. Let us continue to work together building unity and strength in our wonderful city, Houston.”
Juliet Stipeche, Democrat for the 281st District Court: ”The fraudulent “Christians for a Better Government” endorsement of various candidates encapsulates the very worst of political and social thinking. First, Annise Parker has served our community for years with great success and deeply cares about the City of Houston. She is an outstanding individual and a true public servant who deserves our utmost respect. Second, the author of this fake endorsement should be deeply ashamed of his/her words and action. Hateful bigotry has no place in an enlightened society, where all persons should be treated with equal dignity and respect. Jesus said, “Love one another, as I have loved you,” not “Be hateful and bigoted to one another.” Whatever one’s personal faith or belief system, we have a moral obligation to reject and condemn this hateful type of thinking. It is reprehensible as it “stokes of fire” of bigotry and hatred for selfish, political purposes and is a fabrication. I wholeheartedly condemn the words contained in the statement and the actions of the author whoever that person may be.”
Judge Al Leal: ”Nothing [angers] me like self-righteous condemnation of persons of character and skills who make a difference in the political reality of my city. My master singles no one out as not worthy of his love. PERIOD!
Keep ‘em coming!
