The Houston GLBT Political Caucus has made its tough choice and given its endorsement to Melissa Noriega.
With two openly gay candidates, Noel Freeman and Ivan Mayers, running, the decision to endorse Noriega was not an easy one, but the caucus has not compromised its commitment to advancing equality for GLBT people in Houston. After some thorough discussion, there was clear consensus on two things:
First, we can all be very proud of Noel Freeman and Ivan Mayers. Their courage is inspiring, and the GLBT community applauds them for running as openly gay men.
The point here is that the Caucus felt they had several good candidates to choose from, and they chose the best of them. How many times do you feel like you’re choosing between lesser evils? The Caucus had the opposite problem, and that’s always a good problem to have.
The Houston GLBT Political Caucus enthusiastically looks forward to Melissa Noriega’s tenure on city council, and we will be working diligently on her behalf right through May 12th, election day.
I’ll say again, in most years this endorsement or that doesn’t make that much difference. But in an election where turnout might be five percent, any support that brings with it a promise to actually get to the ballot box is a big deal. The GLBT Caucus proved it could get out the vote last November. They can make a difference here as well.
This is huge, and I don’t think you can underestimate the difference the Caucus can make.
Congrats, MN!