The Houston Chronicle yesterday endorsed Victory Fund candidate Annise Parker in the city’s mayoral race.  The paper also endorsed another of the four major candidates, anticipating a runoff between the top two vote-getters:

Houstonians are fortunate to face a difficult choice for mayor this year between two exceptional candidates, public law attorney Gene Locke and City Controller Annise Parker. It’s likely one or both will be in a runoff after the first round of voting winds up on Nov. 3.

With the city facing critical financial decisions early next year as a result of the economic downturn, the next mayor will occupy a pivotal leadership position. Parker and Locke offer deep roots in the city and a dazzling range of life experiences and public service that would well equip either to serve as the successor to term-limited Mayor Bill White.

The Chronicle is withholding its final endorsement in the race until the runoff. We have made this unusual decision because the candidates are so evenly matched, and we want to hear more details about their ideas for managing the city before recommending the person who could well control the helm of City Hall for the next six years.

Parker and Locke have very different styles, but have shown the ability to get things done in making our city a better place. With either candidate, Houston is guaranteed to come out a winner.

Learn more about how you can help Annise become Houston’s next mayor here.