The Texas Senate District 13 Convention was held at Texas Southern University's gymnasium on Saturday, March 29. In all, 3,627 precinct delegates were present, with alternates, volunteers and other attendees bringing the total attendance to well above 6,000.
The various convention committees met — particularly the key credentials commitee — for hours after the start of the convention. The committee reports finally reached the convention floor close to 2 pm, some four hours after the official start and about six hours after many delegates arrived.
Given the size of the crowd, convention officials had to struggle to maintain order as delegates from both camps hotly debated motions brought to the floor. The necessary votes were ultimately cast and the convention wrapped up at about 5 pm.
The final tally showed Obama emerging from the convention with 272 state delegates to Clinton's 69.
Outside Houston's Precinct 21 polling place on Primary Day, March 4, 2008.
Houston Precinct 21 staffers enjoy a lull in the voting. They were pleased and excited with the heavy turnout earlier in the morning, especially among younger voters.
The crowds were heavy and initially quite disorganized at the Precinct 21 convention later that evening. Two other precincts were present for their caucusing, and the participants numbered in the hundreds.
The convention crowd strains to listen in the packed auditorium of the Third Ward Multi-Purpose Center.
Participants had a long wait in line to sign in and indicate a preference for the Democratic presidential nominee.
The final count for Precinct 21 — Clinton 8 votes, Obama 91 (resulting in 1 delegate for Clinton, and 8 delegates for Obama!).
PiggybackVoters — current and future — await the start of Michelle Obama's talk at the University of Houston on February 25.
CheersCheers erupt as rally-goers enter the venue for Michelle Obama's speech at the University of Houston on February 25.
EnthusiasmAn Obama supporter waits for the start of Michelle Obama's talk at U of H on February 25.
IntroductionsMarcus Davis — owner of Houston favorite the Breakfast Klub — introduces Michelle Obama at the University of Houston.
Michelle Obama
FocusListening intently as Michelle Obama speaks to the capacity crowd of 1,200 at U of H.
Voter, 2026A next-generation activist listens in on the talk. (photo by Karina Descartin)
LaughterA light moment at Michelle Obama's talk in Houston.
Falaq, Neife Smith and Karina Descartin at the 2520 Southmore volunteer office.
An overflow crowd of 20,000 people filled Houston's Toyota Center for Barack Obama's visit on February 19, the night of the Wisconsin and Hawaii primaries. (photo by Karina Descartin)
The lines into the Toyota Center wrapped and criss-crossed around the block, with musicians and t-shirt hawkers adding to the festive atmosphere.
Cameras in hand, ready for the rally to begin.
The crowd was charged up, warming up for Obama's arrival with cheers ringing back and forth across the stadium.
The Yes We Can song announced Obama's pending arrival to the capacity crowd.
Obama takes the stage to a deafening chorus of "Yes we can!"
Smiles all around as Obama greets the crowd.
A wide view of the Toyota Center gives some sense of the crowd's size and energy.
Obama waves farewell as he concludes his speech.
After the talk, Obama circles the stage to greet supporters.
(photo by Karina Descartin)
More photos from the February 9 rally show the enthusiasm, energy and diversity of the crowd, which numbered in the hundreds. Photos by Karina Descartin.
