Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, was re-elected today to the speakership of the Texas House of Representatives in a 121-27 vote.
While initially challenged by Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, who claimed to have enough support to defeat the speaker, Craddick sailed to victory after Pitts withdrew from the race. Pitts presumably took his name out of the hat after realizing that, even after hours of fruitless debate, a blind vote would not take place.
While initially challenged by Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, who claimed to have enough support to defeat the speaker, Craddick sailed to victory after Pitts withdrew from the race. Pitts presumably took his name out of the hat after realizing that, even after hours of fruitless debate, a blind vote would not take place.
"I do not want the members who are for me to have to put in a public record how they voted," said Mr. Pitts, R-Waxahachie. He added: "It's time to heal. It's time to go on with Texas' business. That's what Texans expected." ....
Mr. Pitts, upon withdrawing, warned that change was necessary for the House to heal. "Members, we cannot continue what we have had," he said.
Capitol Annex predicts that Craddick's victory today signals a resounding victory in 2008 for Texas Democrats, because of Craddick's corruption.
The Craddicat will not be able to change his stripes, and will rule as he always has. And, instead of the House flipping in 2010, it will flip in 2008. And, in that flip, more seats will flip than would under a Pitts speakership. Craddick remains a poison even unto his own party. His victory will cost his party 10-12 seats in 2008.
Annatopia at TexasKaos shares the shocking news that Reps. Aaron Pena and Patrick Rose, both Democrats, not only voted for Craddick but seconded his nomination. Rose even went as far as to state that Democrats should have worked better with Craddick. She demands that they, along with the other turncoat Democrats, face primary challenges.
Our final thought: In the end, our representatives were only given the choice of two Republicans. Despite what's being played out on the national stage, the Republicans still hold the majority in the Texas Lege, and this was their leadership race. Could Democrats have possibly stuck together and made a difference in the vote, causing new blood (albeit another Republican) to assume leadership? No one knew as a matter of positivity who would emerge victorious. This scared some, who would rather have seen him gone, into voting for Craddick. Because a blind vote was rejected, Craddick would know exactly who voted against him and punish them accordingly. Does that excuse the Democrats who forsook their own party to openly endorse and praise Craddick? No. But we're just glad it's all over.
Our final thought: In the end, our representatives were only given the choice of two Republicans. Despite what's being played out on the national stage, the Republicans still hold the majority in the Texas Lege, and this was their leadership race. Could Democrats have possibly stuck together and made a difference in the vote, causing new blood (albeit another Republican) to assume leadership? No one knew as a matter of positivity who would emerge victorious. This scared some, who would rather have seen him gone, into voting for Craddick. Because a blind vote was rejected, Craddick would know exactly who voted against him and punish them accordingly. Does that excuse the Democrats who forsook their own party to openly endorse and praise Craddick? No. But we're just glad it's all over.
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