The second reason this race matters is the Republicans are putting a lot of resources into the race and throwing their usual low blows. Melissa's opponent, Roy Morales has unleashed a nasty YouTube video, an attack mailer and is rallying his voters with every trick in the Karl Rove playbook. 

Melissa is in a run off election to fill the unexpired term of Shelley Sekula-Gibbs on Houston City Council. This is an at-large position, representing the entire city. She is a long time public school administrator and a community activist and a good friend of mine.

Turnout is expected to be low, 2% perhaps, meaning 15,000 total votes.

While Melissa got 47% of the vote in a field of eleven in the May 12th election, the runoff election is by no means decided. 

Melissa has received broad support across the community, and now it's time for the voters to decide. 

She is asking for YOUR support. 

For those who live in Houston, each and every vote really is important. It also will mean a great deal to contact your circle of friends, family and co-workers with a blast email or phone call encouraging them to vote on Saturday. If each of her supporters worked to get ten people to the polls, she would have a tremendous advantage. 

It's important for  you to consider making a donation to her campaign. During this last week of the campaign, she is working to raise money to spend on Election Day GOTV efforts.  Even a donation of $10, $25, $50 or $100 would go a long way towards getting materials in the hands of voters on Election Day.

Let's get one Noriega elected on Saturday. First things first.

Fight On!

Richard Morrison