The Houston Chronicle's Houston Politics blog has a nice wrap of recent criticism of Houston mayoral candidate Gene Locke, who according to a Chronicle tally received about $33,000 from Metro board members and contractors.

Locke opponents are using that finding -- as well as Texas Watchdog's story about Locke's law firm's lucrative work for the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority -- to raise questions about his loyalties.

Locke's campaign tells the Chronicle he's staying above the fray and that the campaign contributions weren't traded for political favors.