Parker enters race for Houston mayor

Parker is touting her experience as controller, claiming it gives her the financial background the city needs in these tough economic times. She says her priorities would be neighborhood protection and preservation. She also says she can cut the city's expenses without sacrificing essential services. She announced her candidacy online.

Attorney Gene Locke is also planning to run for mayor. He named a campaign treasurer Friday. Locke served as city attorney under Bob Lanier and is now a partner at Andrews Kurth. He is also general counsel to the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. Locke says he is also ready to deal with the financial crisis.

Current Mayor /*Bill White*/ is running for the U.S. Senate.