In the 2006 primary, he gained the endorsement of the Club for Growth, a conservative group that usually endorses Republicans.

Although nominally a member of the Democratic Party, Miller has endorsed Republicans since at least 2004.

Mr. Rivera has become one of the state's most powerful labor leaders and has shown himself willing to endorse Republicans who support his priorities.

These parties typically do not endorse socially liberal Republicans like the mayor.

But on Capitol Hill, lawmakers have heartily endorsed the idea - and not just Republicans.

Even unions now endorse Republicans, and they cannot guarantee the votes of members anyway.

"Now, because we're endorsing Republicans, we're just a bunch of criminals."

Sugar Land's city council is officially non-partisan; all of its current elected officeholders are endorsed Republicans.

It generally endorses Republicans in state and federal elections.

"This is the largest Democratic county, and he has repeatedly endorsed Republicans in significant races," said Alan Fleishman, a committee member.