HOUSTON -- Between the applause and the handshakes, the two remaining candidates for mayor of Houston announced major endorsements Tuesday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Former mayoral candidate Peter Brown is backing Annise Parker and several prominent church leaders in the black community threw their support in the ring for Gene Locke.

Pastors D.Z. Cofield, William Lawson, Bishop James Dixon, and James Nash had been supporting Brown.

When asked if he was disappointed the pastors were not joining Parker's camp, Brown said, "You can't please all the people all the time, and I think the deal with that is you have convictions of the heart and you do what you know is right."

Several of the ministers held a press conference with Locke minutes after Brown announced his endorsement.

"(I) thought it was appropriate to do it today because as candidates are trying to show their level of support, I certainly extend my deepest appreciation for their support," Locke said.

The ministers said they felt conflicted supporting Brown.They said they have been close friends with Locke for more than 20 years, but said Brown announced his candidacy first and asked for their support before Locke was even in the running.

"We were not going to run against Gene. We ran for Peter Brown," Cofield said. "If you listen closely, there were never any disparaging remarks made by us against Gene or any attacks on him personally."

Brown said that he decided to endorse Parker because she shares the same vision that he has for the city. He said she had a proven track record for transparent government and fiscal responsibility.

Parker said she knows that attracting Brown's supporters will be a battle.

"I know that the support of those who voted for council member Brown will not be automatic for me, but I hope I have the opportunity to earn that support," Parker said.

The runoff election will be held Dec. 12.