Mayor Bill White for US Senate

(Community Matters) Sunday morning Suzanne & Marc Winkelman hosted an informal breakfast to introduce Houston Mayor Bill White to friends. The mayor’s staff had been nice enough to include me in invites to many previous gatherings, though I haven’t been eager to engage in another race (nothing personal, just bandwidth – time & money).

Wish I wouldn’t have attended yesterday. Good gosh, now I’m smitten.

The son of two San Antonio teachers, Mayor White is a successful business entrepreneur, served as Deputy Secretary of Energy under Clinton, has been elected three times as Houston’s mayor (his reelections with exceptionally high margins) and has served as Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party.

Mayor Bill White & Kirk Rudy

We spoke privately at pretty good length about his record as Mayor, his perspective on President Obama’s economic policies, his viability in the race, fundraising, LGBT issues, his faith and his love for bike riding – first year in a long time he didn’t ride in the MS 150. He’s definitely a progressive. Couldn’t ask for any better on LGBT issues.

Suzanne Winkelman & Scott Atlas, chair of Bill’s finance committee

Marc Winkelman introducing Mayor White

Wow, a tough row to hoe, and probaby the best shot we’ve had in a very long time. I haven’t spoken with John Sharp this cycle. Don’t know what I think about his viability.