On Monday, we discussed a number of endorsing groups.

As I mentioned, most of these groups require candidates to fill out questionnaires and then come for interviews or meetings with a committee of their membership. They seriously engage in “vetting” candidates.

Most endorsing groups will stick with incumbents unless they have a reason not to do so. In the endorsing world, this is referred to as the “friendly incumbent rule”. If an incumbent has been with you on your issues, you stay with them as they seek re-election.

However, this season, we’ve seen an interesting pattern emerge. A number of the business groups have endorsed Laurie Robinson, the opponent to Council Member Jolanda Jones. Meanwhile, most of the labor organizations and the Houston Association of REALTORS have endorsed Jones. Jones stood strong with the REALTORS on their property rights issues during the Historical Preservation debate as did several other incumbents. She also has an impeccable track record with labor. Jones also secured the GLBT endorsement.

Meanwhile, the Police and Fire Fighters unions endorsed Laurie Robinson. It has been abundantly clear through Jones’ time on Council that she does not get along with these organizations. They are sticking with the “unfriendly incumbent” rule.

The third candidate in the race, Jack Christie, has received a couple of endorsements and shares the “C” Club endorsement with Robinson.

The Chronicle Editorial Board has yet to announce their decision in this race.

Will these endorsements have any impact on this race? Maybe. During high profile campaigns, we consider that endorsements have little impact. With millions spent on television ads, voters make their decisions on the ads and/or images portrayed in them.

However, we expect this to be a low turnout election and few candidates are planning to purchase television ads. Endorsing organizations that can mobilize their members may be strong enough to make an impact in the elections.

Can police, fire and business groups out work and out vote REALTORS and labor? That’s a tough call and will make for one of the most interesting races on the 2011 ballot.