Top Stories Photos - AP

FILE - Houston mayoral candidate Annise Parker is shown in this Nov. 3, 2009 file photo in Houston. Parker's mayoral campaign Web site touts her plans to get tough on crime and build vibrant neighborhoods. But opponents are seizing on one line at the bottom of her bio: Parker and her life partner have been together since 1990 and have two children. Parker is facing a backlash from white conservative Christians and a group of black pastors, who already back her opponent. If she wins the Dec. 12, Houston would become the largest U.S. city with an openly gay mayor.