HC Judge: Oops.

But, but...you were my friend....

(from Liz Austin Peterson of the Chron)

Democrat David Mincberg makes liberal use of Mayor Bill White's name and picture in the first television ad of his county judge campaign, touting his work in the popular leader's administration and comparing their business experience and management styles.

However, he did not seek permission from White, who generally stays out of local races and has been working to cultivate a good relationship with Republican County Judge Ed Emmett.

White since has made it clear to Mincberg's campaign that he prefers people to ask permission before using him in a campaign ad, said Michael Moore, the mayor's chief of staff.

"He does not want that (ad) to be interpreted as an endorsement," Moore said Wednesday. "The mayor works well with Judge Emmett and has worked well with David Mincberg."

That's a move that's certain to irk local Democratic activists, but not out of character for White, and probably not unwise for a man positioning himself as a moderate Democrat with a history of working with both parties. What does surprise me is that Mincberg is planning to campaign on his "dollar-per-year" executive position, you know, the one he couldn't (or wouldn't) handle?

Yeah, that one. The one that he backed out of in order to run for office.

Uh-huh.


Let's be clear: These Harris Conty races are ones in which Democrats should find themselves with double digit leads. Because of the Rosenthal situation and what the State Republican party (hasn't) accomplished these races should be out of reach. That local Republicans still have a chance and that most Democrats are relying on "The Obama factor" to pull them to a victory speaks volumes.

Who was the genius who thought putting a Mayor White clone on the Countywide ticket (which includes places outside the City limit where White isn't NEAR as popular) was a GOOD idea?