In this year’s fight for the White House, the Texas vote is … well … as big as Texas.

“This year, we are in the front seat,” James Gibbons of the Houston Chronicle said.

Hundreds of Texas delegates are up for grabs – some right here in Houston.

And that has the candidates taking notice.

Obama supporters gathered Saturday to prepare for the endorsement of comedian George Lopez.

“It turns out that Senator Obama is a fan of George Lopez, and they talked and George agreed to help him do everything he could, especially here in Texas,” Lopez spokesperson Christy Haubegger said.

Primary schedule

Money trail

Candidate quiz

More Campaign '08 coverage

And at the Sixth Street Bar and Grill on Sunday, Clinton supporters will kick of her Houston campaign.

“Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera will be there for that event.

“We are expecting a lot of supporters, and if the weather holds we might have more than we can handle, but it’s a rally and that’s what we want – enthusiastic supporters,” Hillary supporter Sylvia Garcia said.

The Houston Chronicle on Saturday announced their endorsements for Obama and McCain.

“McCain is a well-known figure. He’s a war hero. It’s kind of a no-brainer,” Gibbons said.

The Arizona Senator will be in town Sunday to pick up another endorsement – this time from former President Bush.

Even so, a group of local Mike Huckabee supporters have scheduled a meeting of their own for Sunday.

“His support here in Houston comes from grassroots that have been very active in the party for the last 20 years that came into the party with Ronald Reagan and have stayed active in the party,” supporter Dr. Steven Hotze said.

The Democratic candidates kicked off their primary campaigns in San Antonio and Austin Saturday.