HOUSTON – With only one full day before Saturday's runoff vote in Houston's race for mayor, both candidates Bill King and Sylvester Turner predicted a win as those closely watching the race believe the two candidates are tied in the final hours before the race.
"I think we're doing everything we possibly can to get everybody to go vote,” said King. “We feel like we're getting votes all over the city. ;I mean, our message, back to basics, resonates with people in every neighborhood in this city."
"I think we've worked very hard in this race, trying to get the message out, and I feel very good about the race,” said Turner. “The support, as you can see, it has been very strong. ;People are strong. ;They're enthusiastic. ;They're spirited."
Election watchers said both sides needed to get voters to the polls on Saturday. ;With rain in the forecast, political science associate professor Brandon Rottinghaus, of the University of Houston, said voter turnout will be critical.
"Right now, they've already established who they are and what they stand for," Rottinghaus said. "What they need to do now is get their voters out to the polls. ;Turnout is critical here. ;The heart and lungs of this will be whether their voters come to vote or not.
Polls in Harris County will be open Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.