This past weekend the fine citizens of Houston elected Annise Parker to be their new Mayor. Ms. Parker was in a tough battle with another Democrat for the position - if he had won he would be only the second African-American to hold the position. But Houston decided to make a little bit of history and by a margin of 6 points it is now the largest US city with an openly gay Mayor.

Ms. Parker has been in elected office for many years. She was elected to city council and most recently she was City Controller. The campaign had it's fair share of homophobic attacks - including an anti-gay mail piece that was funded by two members of her opponents finance committee. Though for the record her opponent - Gene Locke - tried to distance himself from that piece.

Congratulations Houston! We are all so proud of you.