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May 22, 2007
Craddick's Gift
The craziness in Austin continues. With the 80th Session of the Texas Legislature set to end in less than a week, the House is abuzz with talk of an imminent leadership challenge to Speaker Tom Craddick. Several Republican members have announced their intention to run for Speaker -- some now, and some for the next session in 2009. Whether or not Craddick's speakership will survive the end of the session is anybody's guess.
The question for Democrats is, do they want Craddick gone this soon? Considering the Speaker's iron-fisted and exclusionary leadership style, not to mention the destructive legislation enacted by the House during his tenure, it is understandable that House Democrats wish to see him exit his post as soon as humanly possible. We are not convinced, however, that his departure now makes good political sense for Texas Democrats.
There is likely good reason the House Republican rank and file is itching for a mutiny against Craddick; reason beyond their objections to his leadership style. Many in the GOP realize Speaker Tom Craddick is a liability to his party in 2008, both in the primary and general elections, and they'd just as soon clean up this mess before it sullies their political prospects next year.
Think about it. A weakened and angry Craddick survives another session; a session sorely lacking in substantive legislative accomplishments to deal with the state's myriad public policy challenges. Hard feelings within the Republican caucus abound -- feelings that will almost certainly transfer to some nasty GOP primary fights, with unpredictable results. In their primary, Democrats zero in on Craddick's remaining supporters in the House and target them for defeat, likely with at least some success. In the general election, Democrats trot out Craddick as the poster boy for failure in the Legislature and a catalyst for change. Decent chance they gain seats for the third consecutive cycle, cutting the GOP's House margin to a razor thin number. (The Democrats now have to gain only seven seats to regain control of the House.) Craddick would be finished as Speaker for 2009 under these circumstances.
In our judgment, a Craddick speakership that continues through the 2008 election is in Texas Democrats' interest. The policy damage for this session is largely done, so it's not as if deposing him now will yield any positive changes on state issues. And his weakened state, coupled with the internal Republican rancor and division he causes are political gifts that keep on giving for Dems. No wonder the GOP wants to cut him loose. We say, don't do Texas Republicans any favors. Keep Tom Craddick around through 2008.
Posted by houtopia at May 22, 2007 03:58 PM