That's what we're all thinking, right? Where is a Republican with the nerve to stand up to the little tyrant, Tom Craddick?
We agree this Session has been pointless and a waste of money, Tom. But, we think that a big reason it's been pointless and a waste of money is because you have strongarmed your non-negotiable position on people until they revolted with the Hochberg amendment. Now, what are you doing? Pouting? You are so 'dug in' here that some Republicans are surely meeting in secret rooms about how to remove you as Speaker and take control and let Texans know that partisan politics is not what they stand for. Some media savvy, politically astute Republicans are going to take you on. Count on it.
Right?
McCall, Geren, Goodman come to mind...
No way Geren or Goodman would get enough votes. Goodman's not terribly popular with a majority of members, and Geren's got too man problems.
what about pitts?
Until Stars Over Texas doesn't have over $2 mil, Craddick will be tough, if not impossible to challenge. An indictment from Ronnie certainly would help out. The flood gates will open if that happens, but it's wishful thinking.
And everyone has already signed signed their little pledge cards. Such a quaint custom. I agree, absent an indictment, he's Speaker again.
Y'all bitches know you'd luuuuv to see Lois Kolkhorst slam that gavel everyday...
Who knows? If Dems gain 3-4 seats and you have at least 10 ABC Republicans, it could happen.
And if a guy like Leininger supports primary opponents for any of the folks who have been Craddick Loyalists but opposed voucher then look out. Afterall, why would you support a Speaker that allowed one of his top contributors to trash you in a primary contest?
It really comes down to one balsy Republican to stand up and oppose Craddick that the D's can block vote for.
I know, easier said than done, but what Democrat could explain a vote for Tom Craddick to his or her constituents?
Are we forgetting the Craddick D's?
DMWP - why don't I see your name in the hat? I have not done the Perfect Meal Plan justice lately (my lobbying for a broad based business tax is taking up bandwidth); however, I want you to get the nod. PS - I love Shapleigh, still.
Word is all over Arlington that Goodman is definitely running for Speaker.
It wouldn't come as a shock if he announces sometime soon -- he really wants Craddick's job.
Poindexter - After the primaries nest year, there may not be any Craddick D's left. Would be surprised if Al Edwards and Sylvester Turner survive.
Word around the Capitol is that some of the so-called Craddick D's are so fed up they're ready to bolt to almost any reasonable alternative.
I've heard that Ronnie Earle has another round of indictments to hand out but he's waiting for the special sessions to end before issuing them.
Yes, and the word is they will include Wooley and Delisi.
That's Woolley, W-O-O-L-L-E-Y. Let's not get an indictment thrown out because of a misspelled name!
As a staff flunky in two "speaker races" (for the good guys) and an observer of three others, let me assure you that the House IS NOT GOING TO OUST AN INCUMBENT SPEAKER absent a criminal conviction.
Gus Mutshcer (if any of you know who that was) had 100 votes for speaker right up until the moment when the jury said "guilty".....Nothing he did--and he did a lot (anyone remember "Sharpstown", the redistricting to "get his opponents", or his hammerlock on the legislative process--made any difference and wouldn't have absent his conviction. Nothing has changed since then.
Sstatetaxx, I would humbly accept the nomination. But there's a problem. I don't know how to sell mud. (Nor do I care to sling it, which makes my election unlikely.)
WUSRPH may have worked in two Speaker's races, but they were never partisan races. This one is and the dynamics would be completely different.
If you worked for a 'good guy' in a Speaker's race, one would assume you're talkinga bout a David Cain, Carl Parker or John Bryant and none of those guys ever had a prayer in hell.
Urban or Pro-Labor Democrats have never been the favorite flavor of the House and they never will be.
Pancake Sally is part right, part wrong.
I agree about Johnny Bryant's chances...he was always "too pure" for many to accept...kind of like Shapleigh...but Carl Parker had a real chance to be elected speaker...until he was sold out by a group of Ethnic and Freshmen Democrats who were promised chairs and good appointments by Clayton....kind of like the current Craddick Democrats...Two of the ethnics later went on to be Congressmen....so I guess they felt it was worth
it....
P.S. Speaker races I either worked in or observed at close hand were: March 72 Rayford Price; Jan. 73 Price Daniel; 73-75 (Parker v Clayton); Buddy Temple v. Lewis (most peple forget this total wasted effort); 1993 Laney v Rudd; 2003: Craddick V. Laney
Rep. McCall's opening prayer today sounded like a good blueprint for a Speakership.
Edmonton dominated the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night and the 4-0 margin in Game 6 makes it hard to imagine the Oilers not hoisting hockey's Holy Grail above their heads in less than 48 hours. And it would not come as any shock to see defenseman Chris Pronger, who had another 31-minute night, take the honors for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
Sorry, I don't think any current Republicans have the balls to do diddly-squat. They have all shown themselves to be weak and silly little boys and girls. They should all be voted out of office.