HOUSTON NOTEBOOK : The No-Show State

New Hampshire is famous for starting the presidential nominating process with its February primary. Now it can claim distinction for failing to finish up. On the first roll call at the Republican Convention, the Granite State passed so that Texas would be able to clinch George Bush’s nomination. When the chairman called on New Hampshire again in the wee hours Thursday, all of its delegates had left. As a result, Bush was nominated on the basis of a 49-state roll call.

Praying for Prudence

After three straight days of Democrat-bashing, it was time for a little charity. Vice President Dan Quayle, leading a breakfast prayer Thursday morning, appealed for election-year humility. “Lord, teach us to respect our political opponents and to guide them also in the months to come,” Quayle said. “In the hard campaign ahead, help us to never boast, nor to be uncharitable, and above all help us to keep that truly precious gift--our sense of humor.” The invocation was delivered by Susan Baker, wife of James A. Baker III, who is assuming overall control of the Bush reelection campaign. “As we prepare to participate in the presidential election, please help us to be our best selves, to remember our opponents are human beings,” she said. Her husband, was observed suppressing a smile as she spoke.

Bettors Favor Clinton

The convention may be giving President Bush a lift in the polls, but at the betting windows of Tijuana, nobody’s buying. Wagering for Bush has been so weak at the Caliente Race and Sports Book that the odds against Bush have worsened during the convention. Bettors rated Bush a 3 1/2-1 underdog Thursday against Bill Clinton, down from 2-1 on Wednesday. In Las Vegas, it’s illegal to bet on such events. But according to one source, illegal bookmakers put it closer, making Bush a 7-5 underdog.