In the first effort by seventeen of the top political blogs in Texas, Representative Carter Casteel was selected as Texan of the Year. Each blog asked its readers for nominations and selected the recipient based on nominations and editorial voting. This marks the first effort of blogs to work together in a uniform recognition of a Texas politician.

Representative Carter Casteel was selected, in part, for her outstanding courage and hard work during the legislative session to support public education. Representative Casteel, a Republican, was overwhelmingly selected by a group of 'progressive' and 'liberal' bloggers in Texas for her ability to break ranks with Republican leadership that was widely seen to ignore the pressing issue of school finance. We believe, as a group, that Representative Casteel embodies the spirit of statesmanship and reminds all of us what a true leader does to stand up for Texas. We're pleased and encouraged by her ability to work with leadership from both sides of the aisle for the common good.

Each of the blogs listed below will post their own feature on Representative Casteel sometime throughout the day today. As varied as each political blog is in their coverage, the features will vary as well. We encourage you to check them out and offer your congratulations to a Texas politician who reminds us that when standing up for what is right, party affiliation does not matter.

Pinkdome celebrates Representative Casteel for her fearless 'shoot from the hip' style of leadership in a House that has received nothing but bad press about bad leadership and putting partisan politics over everyday Texans' needs. Her speech during the school finance debate alone was inspiring and thoughtful. Her ability to work with both parties in doing what is best for Texas puts her above the rest.

With the large number of nominees we received, this was a tough decision. Like Representative Casteel, we believe the children are our future and we support public education. Now we only hope that the upcoming special session in the Spring will inspire many more like her.

Representative Casteel represents Bandera, Kendall, Comall and Gillespie counties. We have asked Representative Casteel to respond to a few questions and we'll post her responses here.

Participating Blogs posting their entries today include:Pinkdome.com, Burnt Orange Report, Off the Kuff, Brains and Eggs, Eye on Williamson County, The People's Republic of Seabrook, Common Sense, Houston democrats, By the Bayou , The Agonist, In The Pink Texas, A Little Pollyanna, Just Another Blog, Sharpening Our Wits, Appalachia Alumni Association, Annatopia, and The Jeffersonian

Representative Casteel answers our questions and tells us that if it weren't for blogs she would never have known why everyone was laughing when she mentioned her (ballot) box on the House Floor. After the jump.

Representative Casteel took a moment to answer our questions. Here's her answers:

I just got off the phone with Carter and she is tickled. She says thank you and that she loves the blogs.

DO YOU EXPECT A CHALLENGER IN THE PRIMARY OR OPPOSITION PARTY?
I always run a campaign like I've got a challenger. I've not heard of one so far.

ARE YOU BEING TARGETED IN THE PRIMARY IN 2006?
Not to my knowledge.

What do you think of your party's attempts at targeting those that voted for the Hochberg Amendment?
I don't think they are being targeted by the leadership.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE 65% RULE?
That's fine. That's an admirable goal. Depending on how you count it. But here’s the question…what is the classroom? Are you talking about the teacher, the aide, the nurse, the librarian, the counselor? You have to include some of the support for the teacher so the kid is in the classroom in the first place.

How does one balance voting one's district, one's party, and one's personal feelings when those three points are not all in line on a single issue?
I've got a brain and a background so I know that’s important to use. I'm also in a district I've lived in for thirty-something years. I have a fair understanding of my district, but it is critical that I communicate with my
district. It is a struggle because you are going to vote your district and your conscience and every two years you have to answer to them. I'm comfortable with my party platform.

What concerns me is how public education became a liberal issue! That's a conservative value.

I balance all those things and make my decision. It can offend people, but I can stand by my decisions. Don't forget, I listen to the debate.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SUPREME COURT RULING?
I think adequacy is still on the table and will come up in the next special session.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE LEGE DO WITH SCHOOL FINANCE REFORM?
Competitive teacher pay and health care benefits. I don't think it's fair to ask our teachers to help shape the future of Texas and not compensate them in a fair way.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN WITH SCHOOL FINANCE REFORM?
I think everything is on the table. I've met with John Sharp and I believe we are all eager to see solutions that are fair from district to district. I think there is a growth and interest among the people of Texas that are paying attention and I think that is a good thing. People are concerned about our lack of progress and stepping up to the plate to get in front of the right people.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS YOU ADMIRE MOST IN A LEGISLATOR?
First of all, you just have to be honest about how you conduct yourself. You have to be a straight shooter and have the willingness to get along with people. You can't agree with everyone all the time, but you have to be willing to talk and to listen. If God had intended for us to talk all the time he'd given us two mouths and one ear. Lastly, you have to have humor. You have to have the attitude that "I don’t care who gets the credit"; you just have to care that it gets done. Dig in the mud and not care who cares who finds the diamond ring.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE EDUCATION COMMUNITY 'LOBBYING' THE LEGISLATURE?
How in the world can the Ed. Community communicate with the legislature without coming up there and talk to them? If you want to call it lobby, fine. But people go on their own time and write letters. People have made the same complaints against everybody that comes up to the legislature. That being said, I'd rather see my tax dollars being used to educate children. If that's not happening, then I want my tax dollars to communicate with the
legislature on behalf of what's not happening. I don't know what the rule is, but we'll see if a rule is going to be proposed.

How is it being done? Can we invite the Education Community to the legislature in a different way? They’ve been shut out so maybe a lobbyist is the only way to get in the door.