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June 04, 2005
A Study in Contrast
AP writer April Castro covers the conflict between the Texas Legislature's two most powerful men -- Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick -- in today's Statesman.
Veteran Lege-watcher Harvey Kronberg of Quorum Report describes a once amicable relationship that has turned "poisonous." Word is they are not speaking these days.
The article describes the two men's very different tastes, styles and M.O.s. One tall, the other short; one gregarious, the other a loner; one an appreciator of fine wine, the other a teetotaler. The piece leaves out the obvious -- both are Republicans, both are in charge of their respective bodies, and neither can put aside their differences to address the state's major problems.
So, while these two overgrown children square off in a political pissing contest, the people of Texas are getting hosed down. Craddick has, after a long, slow climb, achieved the pinnacle of his political career. And by most accounts he is more interested in wielding power than working to solve problems. By contrast, Dewhurst, a political newcomer, is already running for his next office -- The United States Senate -- so what does he care about fixing public school finance?
Such leadership is inspirational, isn't it? Throw in our beloved Governor Rick Perry, and you have a real Texas triumvirate. Apparently, the Guv won't even bother to call a special session on education, so he can blame the Legislature for the problem in his reelection campaign next year. These guys really step up to the plate and make the tough decisions, don't they?
Posted by houtopia at June 4, 2005 03:53 PM