Politicians take a dive: Annise Parker and George H.W. Bush now have something in common

Though they are on opposite sides of the political spectrum, Mayor Annise Parker and former President George H.W. Bush have something in common to discuss the next time they meet: They have both jumped out of a plane for no good reason other than the thrill of it all.

Parker bragged about her exploits on her Twitter account Sunday after her first skydive experience. Her communications director Janice Evans was also among those who took the plunge at Skydive Spaceland near Rosharon.

Bush has skydived several times, most recently to celebrate his 90th birthday last June.

Here's what happened, according to Twitter:

Alas, State Sen. Rodney Ellis chickened out in joining Parker in the sky.

UPDATE: After CultureMap published this story, we received a press release from the mayor's office touting her first skydive.

"Honestly, this wasn't on my bucket list," Parker said in a statement. "My staff had been planning this for awhile and my original intention was to simply be on hand to support them. As their team leader, though, I couldn't just stand by and watch. If they can do it, I can do it. I'm not sure, however, it is something I'll do again."

In the group of 20 skydivers were members of Parker's executive team, City Council aides and others, including Helaine Rumaner, a city employee and competitive skydiver with more than 2,700 jumps who was docked with Parker during the 8,000-foot free fall at 120 miles per hour before the chute was pulled. Parker did the tandem jump with the assistance of Skydive Spaceland instructor Henry Prewitt.

When asked what was the best part of the jump, Parker said, "being back on the ground."

Mayor Annise Parker, third from the left, is all smiles after her skydive.

Photo by Chuck Akers

Mayor Annise Parker, third from the left, is all smiles after her skydive.