Anyone following this bizarre story? Texas lawmakers are trying (unsuccessfully so far) to overthrow Craddick. He's basically making up his own rules to keep himself in power and ignoring members and such. The house parliamentarian resigned yesterday after he started ignored her decisions. Republicans feel this is the time to get rid of him because there are less immediate repurcussions. http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=184937 After a rough battle over House Speaker Tom Craddick's political career over night, lawmakers resumed business today with the veteran Republican still presiding. Craddick survived a five-hour House rebellion against his leadership with a display of bare-knuckle tenacity. He gaveled in the day's session at 11:15 a.m. At one point, lawmakers had to be physically restrained from taking over the speaker's podium after Craddick walked away for a temporary recess. The House parliamentarian was nearly pushed to tears before resigning when Craddick repeatedly ignored her advice. Republican Representative Fred Hill had made a parliamentary request that would allow the 150-member chamber to vote to oust Craddick. Craddick refused to recognize Hill to make the motion. Hill next asked to allow the House to vote to appeal the speaker, which would have required a two-thirds vote of the body. Earlier in the evening, the House melted down when Craddick announced a two-hour break to escape pointed questions about his leadership. The 150-member chamber broke out in a cacophony of boos as lawmakers swept to the front of the chamber and Craddick hustled back to his office suite. By the time the House adjourned shortly before 1:30 a.m., Craddick had beaten back his opponents -- but not before a series of raucous scenes unfolded in the chamber. Craddick's opponents questioned Saturday whether the new parliamentarian and assistant parliamentarian have conflicts of interest. Terry Keel and Ron Wilson are both former state representatives. House parliamentarian Denise Davis resigned over the incident, as well as assistant parliamentarian Christopher Griesel. Craddick said lawmakers must file any complaints with the state Ethics Commission.
i was watching this last night...it was fairly entertaining. i just dont think theres a unified opposition. craddick knows it.
If it wasn't the Texas Legislature, in particular the House, I'd say it was unbelievable. Sadly, this is what Texas voters have brought upon themselves. By being so "out of the process" of democracy in the state that they continue to vote for members that are slaves to special interests, special interests that pay them well once out of office, and manage reelect Governor Goodhair with 39% of the vote, by splitting the vote between a Democrat, Grandma, and a Running Joke, yet another example of why voting for third parties is a WASTE OF TIME, this really shouldn't be a big surprise. Still, the ability of the Lege to come up with new ways to amaze, even if most of the Texas body politic is out to lunch and not noticing, regardless of the editorials in most state newspapers that rant about how imbecilic the Legislature, Governor and Lt. Governor are, how ludicrous so much of the legislation passed is, how underserved the public is in the state, how poor children and the elderly are dumped on to allow more tax cuts that the middle class won't see... one could go on and on. The state employees heroically labor on, without getting much in the way of raises, certainly nothing that keeps up with the increase in the cost of benefits, and watch as the Lege makes fools of themselves and makes their jobs that much more difficult. No one is really interested. THAT is the biggest problem this state has. No one is really interested in what is happening at the Capitol. Bummer. Meanwhile, the few that pay attention do so with dismay. D&D. Replicant Central.
As I'm sure you know, the only way to get good raises with the State (meaning anything that can stay ahead of benefit cost increases and inflation) is to get promoted, either in your own agency or commission, or by a promotion/wage increase from getting a new position with another entity within state government. Sadly, the vast majority of state employees are the rank and file. People like my wife, an executive, are the exception rather than the rule. D&D. Replicant Freeway.
I disagree. A lot of people care, but the Texas legislature is bought and paid for by well-funded interest groups that are like inoperable brain tumors which cause blackouts, seizures and amnesia. People like Craddick could murder somebody (I exaggerate for effect) but still get re-elected in his safe district and continue reigning over the House. I know Texas isn't the worst, but I liken our statehouse politics to a sewage pond. People care but most have giving up trying to change things.
If they care, why don't they vote? I do. I'm sure you do, but only a small percentage of Texans of voting age actually bother. Seriously... the state has the worst leadership it's had in many a year. It's no secret, but the body politic is too busy doin' their own thing to make them pay. Oh, well. Someday, the worm will turn. D&D. Replicant Worms.
