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December 19, 2007
Craddick's Gift That Keeps On Giving
Several months ago, just before the tumultuous end of the 2007 session of the Texas Legislature, we wrote that, as disastrous for Texas as Tom Craddick Speakership of the Texas House has been, there might be good political reasons to keep him around for a while. As we all know, Craddick narrowly survived the session. But with the state facing myriad public policy challenges, Craddick's iron-fisted, partisan leadership style seems to be wearing thin.
We remember that the end of the legisatlive session was a complete fiasco, with numerous challenges to Craddick's authority, challenges that -- in blatant defiance of House rules -- he refused to recognize. Readers will also recall that a few months ago, Grand Prairie representative Kirk England left the Republican Party to become a Democrat. Last night in Fort Worth, Dan Barrett, a Democrat, won a special election to fill the remainder of retiring GOP State Rep.Anna Mowery's term in a solidly Republican district. And late today word came that El Paso Republican representative Pat Haggerty, a rumored Craddick primary target, will challenge the Speaker in 2009.
As Paul Burka noted today, since Tom Craddick became Speaker, the Republican majority in the Texas House has shrunk from 26 seats to 8. As another GOP Craddick challenger, Jim Keffer said today, "Tom Craddick is a sinking ship for the Republican Party of Texas."
Strong words indeed. And for our part they validate the position we took months ago -- Tom Craddick remaining Speaker is a powerful force for Democratic gain and Republican loss. His failed but continuing Speakership is a poster child for change in state government.
In other words, during the holiday season Tom Craddick is the gift that keeps on giving. Keep those presents coming, Tom.
Posted by houtopia at December 19, 2007 10:17 PM