Can Straus hold the votes?
I think Straus is an honorable member, and he certainly deserves the credit for being among the first to speak out against Craddick, but speaker seems like a stretch. I’ve said before that it isn’t rocket science to preside in a fair manner, but the ABCs also needed to consider who was the person most likely to attract mainstream Republicans into their coalition. I have always thought that was Solomons. He had a following. Does Straus, outside of that meeting? He has another problem, in my opinion. Experienced members don’t like to see inexperienced members jump over them.
Didn’t the ABCs forget what their main objective was, which was getting rid of Craddick? This opens the door for Craddick. Maybe I’m totally wrong. I’ve been out of the picture all day, wrapping up a story on the governor’s race under a deadline. Maybe the ABCs have a bunch of members lined up to vote for a new speaker. Maybe the prospect of moving up in the pecking order will bring other members into the coalition. As I said, I have a high regard for Straus personally. Maybe he will be a Republican Laney, who presides with a light hand and lets strong chairmen carry the workload. But if this goes south, and Craddick somehow survives, this will be one of the ghastliest mistakes I have ever seen in Texas politics.
Solomons was the safe play. If the ABCs choose him, the deal is done. They take a knee, run out the clock, and on Tuesday they own the House. The ABCs have 48 hours to get a bunch of Republican names who are committed to Straus. If they don’t get them, it’s going to be chaos.
I’m shocked.
As I said above, I’ve been busy writing all day, so I have one little question I’d like to ask. Has Straus even filed for speaker?
Tagged: burt solomons, Joe Straus, speaker’s race, tom craddick.
Texrusk says:
Welcome to the Texas Capitol gambling parlor!
Reply »
anonymous Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Ha. Funny. Maybe the horses can race around the capitol drive.
Reply »
Texas Publius says:
Freakin’ Straus over Solomons or McCall? Straus has served in only 1.7 sessions. Straus’s family went after incumbent House Rs over the slot machine issue, which R groups will skewer members over in their districts if they support Straus. The ABCs screwed up. I bet Solomons and McCall end up backing Gattis or Smithee.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
If Straus hasn’t filed for speaker, all the ABCs may get subpoenas soon for violating the speaker statute…
Reply »
Observer says:
Surely Straus made it to the SOS’s office by 5:00. The Texas Ethics website doesn’t list him as a candidate. You can bet your sweet bibby if he didn’t file, Craddick and Keel will come knocking on the ABCs’ doors.
Reply »
Earl of Ronnie says:
Could be grand jury time for the ABCs, to find out who said what. Presumably Straus knew he was one of those being voted upon at the time they were voting, so he may be in the biggest trouble of all IF he didn’t file with the SOS (read: felony).
Reply »
House Watcher says:
According to the Chron, Straus immediately filed for speaker after the meeting:
http://blogs.chron.com/texaspolitics/archives/2009/01/gop_mavericks_s.html
Reply »
Spiro Eagleton says:
I believe Straus was the only member of the TX House to endorse Giuliani for president.
Reply »
Observer says:
He was in good company. Good Hair also endorsed Giuliani.
Reply »
Anon says:
I can sum up the anxiety of almost every Republican over this choice: Straus got 100% from NARAL (National Abortion and Reproduction Rights Action League) in the last session.
Reply »
anonymous Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:39 pm
You’re kidding me. Ooh, that’s going to hurt when Cathie Adams hears.
Reply »
anonymous says:
Straus? Are we kidding? I thought we were going to get a real speaker’s candidate. Grr. I guess we have another session of Craddick.
Reply »
Craddick's Longhorn skybox tickets says:
Maybe Craddick engineered Straus as the chosen one?
Reply »
clownme says:
cathie adams? if repubs are still running scared of her and her bozo group than they get what they deserve.
Reply »
T.J. says:
What happened to the real Republicans? Straus is like a mannequin. Jim Dunnam will love pulling his strings.
Reply »
Cornhusker says:
This is starting to look like a Palestinian organized coup. As they say – they always miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
Reply »
Observer says:
Something tells me Craddick and Adams aren’t exactly bosom buddies.
Reply »
T.J. Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Didn’t she just send out a letter for him? Thought I saw that on QR or somewhere.
Reply »
Credentials says:
Yes, Straus filed for speaker.
And McCall made the intro at the gaggle after the meeting. So I doubt he’s jumping ship.
Reply »
dickbird says:
The QR reported @ 5:11 that McCall had filed.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
The Speaker Statute deals principally with fundraising and expenditures. If Straus hasn’t done either in relation to running, he’s legal.
Since he hasn’t officially announced for anything, he’s legal. He, in effect, is being drafted.
So before people start making idiot statements about filing for Speaker, read the law.
I also find it hard to believe that Doug Miller and Ruth Jones McClendon will vote against a Bexar County candidate.
That would get Straus to 77.
Brian McCall and Todd Smith would get him to 79.
It’s hard to imagine Harless and Kolkhorst going back – that would be 81.
And don’t forget about the category of “Wobblies, Wannabees and Gotta go with the Winner” type Republicans.
Add ten more.
This thing is just about done if Dunnam and the D’s deliver.
Reply »
Anon Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Yes, and I’m sure the Dems in DFW and Houston and the rural areas will just mindlessly hand over the speakership to San Antonio tomorrow. Right.
Reply »
Credentials says:
“Could be grand jury time for the ABCs, to find out who said what. Presumably Straus knew he was one of those being voted upon at the time they were voting, so he may be in the biggest trouble of all IF he didn’t file with the SOS (read: felony).”
LOL
God I love this place. You guys are so entertaining.
Geren said Straus has already filed. It’s not up on the ethics site yet, but that’s what they’re telling us up front and on the record. I’d be a little surprised if they forgot THAT kind of detail.
Not a lot. But a little.
Reply »
Observer says:
Think Straus will enjoy his assignment on the underwater basket weaving committee?
Reply »
T.J. Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:37 pm
He can hang out with Lon Burnam.
Reply »
The FW in DFW Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I think Rep. Burnam is opposed to legalizing slot machines at horsetracks. As are several others in the group of 64. It’s a divisive issue, and Straus’s fam holds one of the horsetrack licenses.
Reply »
T.J. Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I was referring to him living in legislative oblivion, like the vegetarian Burnam being on Ag and Livestock.
Pete Carroll says:
For someone as wealthy as Straus, he’s given strikingly few contributions to Republican candidates. Wonder why not? His dad is the one who’s made all the contributions.
Reply »
Credentials says:
McCall is included in the “11″ so he’s not an additional vote.
So that gives Straus 11.
If the Dems vote with him in a bloc, that gives him 75 exactly.
Doug Miller would probably have a hard time voting for Craddick, since Craddick’s machine tried like crazy to beat him in the primary against Macias. The others
Reply »
Anonymous says:
Isn’t Straus a member of Guiliani’s law firm? Think that MIGHT hav something to do with his pick for President?
Well duuhhhh…
Reply »
anon Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
HA where the hell do you people come up with this information? he’s not a freaking lawyer.
Reply »
Elsbeth says:
“Maybe Craddick engineered Straus as the chosen one”?
Oh, like he promised Straus a big chair? It’s bizarre that we are so disconnected from the rest of the country and world. How much longer do we have to debate the grand “old” party’s hold on the Texas Lege? Really? That long?
Reply »
Observer says:
I believe his father is deceased.
Reply »
anon Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Incorrect.
Reply »
Observer says:
Straus isn’t an attorney. He is a member of insurance brokerage firm in SA.
Reply »
Elsbeth says:
Observer:
Thank you for correcting the spam posts.
Reply »
fact checker says:
and his dad isn’t dead.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
You guys are entertaining…and yes, this puts Craddick back in the driver’s seat…
Reply »
Anonymous says:
I thought McCall was smarter than this…
Reply »
groaning says:
There is NO WAY Straus can be the final play.
Reply »
anon says:
Damn… there goes my pajama party sleepover in the speakers apartment
Reply »
Texas Publius says:
Straus is the 2009 version of Pitts 2007
Solomons and McCall tie for the 2009 version of McCall 2007
the Ds will vote for Straus ONLY if he’s the only guy left to vote for against Craddick. All eyes are on Gattis and Smithee…
Reply »
THE SURREAL ANON says:
Groan 8:07
100%, no way. The play hasn’t developed yet, but no way. Now it is Smithee’s turn, and he can pull some Ds his way, and the rest of the soft Rs.
Reply »
Observer says:
Who has their camcorder ready for the Sunday meeting?
Reply »
Anonymous says:
ABCs are burning up the phones trying to lock in the Ds by tomorrow. Trouble is, many Ds are burning up the phones to non-Straus R candidates, not wanting to commit to Straus. Good luck Dunnam! Come Monday we still won’t know who Craddick’s replacement is. We’ll know on January 13.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
11 plus 64 plus Doug Miller equals 76. And 76 becomes 96 in about 4 hours.
Let’s see if Dunnam and Gallego deliver.
Reply »
T.J. Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Why is Doug Miller on board? Has momma Casteel given him the green light to vote that way?
Reply »
the u b of Texas says:
Ouch.. Note to self for future speaker race..
1. Work on Straus’ suprise speech….
2. Beef up bio for Kronberg advertising campaign.. Not only are Republican creditials important, but mention hunting dog name Barney… Remind Harvey who he works for, again!!!….
3. Don’t ask Warren to particpate in any more coups…..
4. Instead of just 11 house members meeting and agreeing on one member that is not present or currently a candidate for speaker; instruct Kronberg to report that the Oz, Easter bunny and 11 house members debated the issue all day before deciding to support the candidate….oh yea, say there will be no Whiskey…..
Reply »
Anonymous says:
Geren called the Ds the asked them to pick the person they wanted and surprise, surprise they pick Straus, the one with the least experience, fewest accomplishments and no real following. They also told the press Straus filed for speaker during the meeting. How could that be possible since the meeting was held at Byron Cook’s Austin houseat 5 pm?
Reply »
anon says:
The meeting started before 5:00 – why don’t you write about something you actually know about
Reply »
Straus Fan says:
Finally the ABCs do something right!
Straus is the only person of the group that can play Craddick-style politics. His family is rich and wants something very, very badly. They have the money and organization to reward and punish — ask Phil King.
If you think TLR had an owner’s box, wait until you see the glass wall and a bar in the northwest corner of the House gallery for dad and his gambling buddies.
How does Kino vote against Straus?
Great move guys. Craddick is gone and won’t able to match Straus’ money in the primaries (yes both R and D) to protect his friends who vote for VLTs and punish (even if they don’t beat, brutal campaigns are not much fun) his enemies.
Maybe they’ll even have some VLTs in the back hall.
Reply »
groaning says:
Re: 8:23
And in the meantime, Tom just told Nadine to go ahead and order the new curtains she has been eyeing for the apartment. Once again, opportunity lost.
Reply »
anon Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:29 pm
To match the gold toilets that the taxpayers can once again pay for?
Reply »
Curtain salesman Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Yes! Start the orders now!
Reply »
Aggienizing says:
Kino votes against him because racetrack casinos will compete with his Indian casinos.
Reply »
Observer says:
Straus Fan I think you’ve had a little too much of the Straus Koolaid. Do you honestly think Craddick is not able to compete with Straus financially?
It’s no accident Craddick has been able to survive in the House for 40 years.
Reply »
Anon says:
Another reason to give Republicans pause: Joe Straus’ race track funded Texans for Economic Development…the PAC used to beat Republican incumbents in the 2008 Primary Elections.
Reply »
T.J. Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Good point. If the argument against Craddick is that he didn’t help his party win more seats, it’s hard to make the case for Straus seeing that he tried to beat GOP members.
Reply »
Observer says:
Aggie….the Choctaw Indian Nation is a friend of Straus’ PAC.
Reply »
Aggienizing Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:42 pm
But the Choctaw tribe is not a Texas tribe, and hence they would probably not be involved in that fight. Their casinos are in Oklahoma. Methinks that if they’re supporting him, it’s so that their casino developer can run his racetrack slots.
Reply »
Suburbia says:
Whose idea was it to choose a “ringer” candidate with a secret, 11-member, all white, all male, mostly older focus group for a diverse, 150-member race? I can’t believe that was Eppstein’s idea. I agree with Paul. Picking Straus over Solomons will go down as a ghastly move. But hey, half of the political thermostat in the room was Merritt + Delwin + Kuempel + McCall + Pitts. No surprise.
Reply »
Observer says:
I have a question and I’m still a novice, so please be delicate.
Why did Smithee delay his decision to run until Monday? Anyone think this Straus announcement is intended as a distraction?
Don’t shoot me for asking!
Reply »
Not Anonymous Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 pm
I thought Smithee was basically setting himself up as a pro-Craddick fallback, so it makes sense to wait to see what the ABCs do.
Reply »
Oopsie says:
There ain’t enough money in anyone’s bank to fend off the tsumani of R Primary challengers that will arrive for those Rs who vote for Straus for speaker. The dingbat groups who’ve taken over the R Party were email/fax blasting R members today (and their constituents). Tomorrow, they’ll be beyond apoplectic over the prospect of a Straus speakership. This oughta be fun to watch.
Reply »
A2Z Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:37 pm
…especially for the D’s, who wrote the script.
Reply »
Will Hartnett Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
“Apoplectic” is a really appropriate word!
Reply »
kimmy says:
What an interesting choice… It’s always been known that Sandy Kress went down on Ed Commissioner because the religious right couldn’t stomach a Jew… And here we have … as has been pointed out by various posters… a man who has NO allegiance to the Religious Right. He has NO need for Leininger money. And his family even owns a race track… If this isn’t the Rs giving Leininger the finger, I don’t know what is.
I see this as nothing more than the Right in Texas becoming more about fiscal conservatism and less about social conservatism. Interesting.
Reply »
Texrusk Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
“If this isn’t the Rs giving Leininger the finger, I don’t know what is. ”
I don’t know what you’re talking about “Republicans.” 6 out of 7 Republicans are still behind Craddick. Don’t forget that right now, this is just a small subset of Republicans united by no principle other than their own bruised egos.
Reply »
anon says:
Solomons will look better come monday.
Reply »
Texrusk Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Straus reminds me of the Willie Nelson song: “Last Night I came in at 2 with a 10 and at 10 I woke up with a 2.”
They will have a serious Straus Hangover tomorrow.
Reply »
Straus Fan says:
Observer. You’re right Craddick has survived a long time. Even got some of the gambling money to help out for a while.
This gambling’s big chance. I think they’ll pull out all the stops. Look at who they’ve hire as lobbyists. The big guns.
Straus may seem like a nice guy, probably is. But Texas House politics is rough and tumble and I think he’ll learn to play the game of reward and “not reward” pretty quick.
Reply »
Will Hartnett Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Yes but the Eagle Pass Kickapoos are against the Las Vegas casinos who are against the racetrack owners who are against the big cities!
Reply »
fillmypocketswithcash says:
All is joy in consultant land!
Craddick out with lots of cash and access to even more to get even.
The Democrats in striking distance with tons of trial lawyer cash.
Now Straus and his money.
Lot of campaigns and lots of cash.
Whoopie!!!
Reply »
anon says:
Got to give the ABCs credit. They really did pick ANYBODY but craddick.
Reply »
Observer says:
Straus Fan good point. Historically, the gaming lobby has had limited success in Texas. The racing tracks in Texas are embarrassing.
Let’s not forget that one of Craddick’s wealthiest constituents, the Scharbauer family, also has close ties to Straus and racing.
Reply »
Press Conference Rag says:
I suspect all is not well with this choice. I attended the press conference, and judging from the looks on Solomon’s and Keffer’s faces, those two were not gung-ho about this decision. I think this pick is just a trial balloon to buy the ABC’s time until after Craddick’s meeting. Something is amiss here.
Reply »
the u b of Texas Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Lets dont call it a trial balloon…. Lets just go ahead and call it what it is, Johnsons’ balloon….
Reply »
T.J. Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
If this is a trial balloon it’s the proverbial lead one.
Reply »
anon says:
Rag. Good stuff. This can’t be the end game.
Reply »
Observer says:
Another question, are Thornton Keel and Terry Keel related?
Reply »
pollabear says:
Maybe Straus was a compromise candidate of the senior Repubs. I think they learned Nov. 4th ‘experience’ isnt always the best selling point.
Straus = change.
Smart Rs see the tide and won’t want to remembered as supporting the old regime. Sounds like a good ‘gamble’ to me.
Reply »
Observer says:
I disagree Pollar. It would take a lot for me to put my neck on the line for a newbie like Straus. He may be a great guy, but I don’t think the ABCs hit the daily double with this choice.
Reply »
Observer says:
Strike my previous question. They are brothers.
Reply »
Texrusk says:
So let me summarize:
1. His dad runs the single biggest racetrack in South Texas. He’s voted for any gambling bill that makes it within a mile of the floor. His dad runs the biggest gambling PAC.
2. He’s taken money from Planned Parenthood and it appears that his wife may have been an actual Planned Parenthood of San Antonio board member.
He’s the perfect Democratic Speaker candidate. Jim Dunnam should be proud of his choice…I mean his proxy.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
Unfortunately, Rep. Straus has a clear voting record which has demonstrated hostility toward unborn life and traditional family values.
Rep. Joe Straus Supported:
1. Making it easier to perform late-term, third-trimester abortions (SB 419, vote 672, 2005).
2. In the 2007 session, he received a 100 percent voting record from the radical pro-abortion group NARAL, and the pro-abortion group Planned Parenthood contributed to his reelection campaign.
3. Homosexuals as foster parents (SB 6, vote 327, 2005).
4. Expanded casino gambling (HB 10, vote 939, 2007).
5. Increased gambling (HB 2265, vote 749, 2007)
6. Increased sale and consumption of alcohol during Sunday morning church hours (HB 168, vote 357, 2005).
7. Making it easier to sell alcohol without community approval, as is currently required (SB 1626, vote 852, 2005).
8. Increasing state budget spending by an amazing 19 percent over only two years (SB 1, vote 946, 2005).
Rep. Joe Straus Opposed:
1. Using statistically-proven methods to strengthen marriage and reduce divorce by encouraging pre-marital counseling (HB 2685, votes 384, 437, and 1407, 2007).
2. Parental rights, opposing a bill to let parents know the service referrals school counselors are making for their children (HB 2136, vote 592, 2007).
3. School choice (HB 1, vote 235, 2007).
Given Rep. Straus’ voting record over the past 1.7 sessions, it is unlikely that pro-life and pro-family measures will move through the Texas House of Representatives should Joe Straus become the Texas House Speaker.
Reply »
Capitol Pro Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Christi, is that you?
Reply »
thinking Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:01 am
well, anonymous at 9:38, I’m for anybody who provides more liquor during Sunday church hours. I’d be much more likely to go to church during Sunday church hours if they had an open bar.
Reply »
anonymous Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Charlie Geren, is that you?
Reply »
texun Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Thanks for reminding us of what the Eagle Forum and its allies want to make the template for Texas Republicans.
Reply »
pollabear says:
Good point, it was definitely a surprise to all who were watching closely. I would love to have known what the deal breaker was on that decision. I think Solomons had become the horse to bet on.
Considering its getting harder and harder for Craddick’s supports to actually make it back to Austin in the first place, you would only have to stick it out for one last session before we are asking what D will be the next Speaker…
Reply »
anonymous Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
The dems have won just about all the seats that are within reach. The rest are mostly strong R seats. On the other hand, you have a lot of dems sitting on seats that should go R.
And of course, they won’t have obama’s folks stuffing ballot boxes in 2010.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
Solomons was not in the video that is posted over on Burnt Orange Report and on You Tube.
Reply »
Observer says:
True, Pollar. I live in district in which Jesus Christ could run as a D and wouldn’t be elected.
Perhaps the district has caused me to lose perspective on how difficult it has been for some of the Rs to make it back to Austin.
Reply »
anonymous says:
who will be parliamentarian?
Reply »
Capitol Pro says:
Why did McCall take the time to file today if he was going to turn around and be part of the PR machine to promote someone who doesn’t have half his talent? Hopefully the Straus selection is part of a greater strategy.
Reply »
Observer says:
Where’s Hartnett?
Reply »
Anon Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Who cares?
Reply »
Will Hartnett Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Just working my way down through all the shocked blog posts, after a long cena con mi madre.
Reply »
Observer says:
LOL
Reply »
anon says:
Could be getting his gavel ready.
Reply »
Pat says:
Hang on just a second, guys.
If Strauss is reportedly so moderate, the Dunnam 64 should be thrilled. Pro-life legislation gets stalled in Calendars, and SCHIP and education funding have more of a fighting chance than ever. There was never a more ideologically favorable Republican for the D’s. So, assume momentarily for the sake of argument that the Dunnam 64 are a lock:
The ABC’s and the Dunnam 64 WIN if they stick together. When that happens, the Go-With-The-Winner R’s and the Craddick D’s will jump on board. Checkmate.
If the ABC’s goal was to lock up the Dunnam 64, I see Straus as a politically astute move. Who cares about everybody else if you have 76 reasonably solid votes?
Reply »
Observer says:
You may lock up Dunman, but I can’t see all of the remaining 63 willing to cross Craddick with a newbie.
Reply »
House Watcher Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Most of the Craddick Ds are not in the 63. Most of the 63 have crossed Craddick in the past.
Reply »
anon says:
Wait just a minute, the old dogs still need to eat too….watch for Chisum to do something, and perhaphs Sid Miller to jump off the cliff as well….
If they are not directly involved in Straus for speaker(wink-wink), odds are that they have been at least told, and then told not to tell anyone……..So come on you two, hurry up and suprise us with your new found allegiance…..
Reply »
Observer says:
Chisum tested the water earlier in the week then blamed the Star Telegram for misquoting him.
Reply »
Sierra Madre says:
This didn’t last long. My boss (who is a D) heard that the El Paso delegation has already told Dunnam they are supporting Craddick over Straus. This ain’t gonna be pretty.
Reply »
Observer Reply:
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I agree. It most certainly will go to the floor.
Reply »
anonymous Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Why would the Craddick D’s give anything to Dunnam? All he’s ever done is primary them.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
Sierra Madre is full of crap or their boss is. Didn’t happen.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
Would love to the expressions of the commenters here when Straus lays out 90 or more votes and ends this thing.
Then they’ll realize it really WAS about getting rid of Craddick.
Reply »
Pick Me Another says:
Straus…..Bold and Shocking Pick…..Is the McCain Consultant that advised him to pick Sarah Palin working for the ABCs now?
Reply »
Just when it was geting good says:
My question is that while many may loathe Craddick why do the Ds REALLY want to get rid of him at this point? Is Straus just a fall guy to actually keep Craddick, therefore betting on more Craddick election losses? As Burka said I can’t imagine that the egos of many of our elected House members would elect someone that has served so little time in the House.
It just can’t end like this!! There must be another play left in the playbook. Statue of Liberty anyone?
Reply »
Anon says:
What is it about this Speaker race that gets 100+ people to post propoganda, hearsay and lies at an unbelievably rapid rate – with every other one being a rebuttal? Is it so terribly hard to sit back and wait and see what happens?
Reply »
AAnon says:
If anyone could do it, it’s Straus. After all, he is the “King of the Waltz.” Oh wait, that’s Strauss.
Reply »
anonymous Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
The Waltz. Isn’t that one step forward and two steps back? This isn’t a good omen for the GOP if he’s the pick.
Reply »
AAnon says:
By the way, did anyone else notice that exactly 1/10th of the House filed as Speaker candidates?
Reply »
clownme says:
this is the most pathetic drivel by anonymous consultants and staffers i have ever seen.
Reply »
Mike M says:
Looks like a good choice to keep things stirred up over the weekend. Then, Smithee sails in on Monday morning, picks up a lot of the hard core Craddick R’s who can’t stomach Straus, also nabs the Dunham/Gaellogos/Coleman D’s, and the 11 ABC’s fall into line. Suddenly Smithee has more momentum than you can shake a stick at.
Reply »
Steve says:
You can see Solomons in the video posted on the Statesman site. He was there.
Reply »
pundit's point says:
Is it too much to hope that the 150 legislators can check their egos at the door on January 13th and select a speaker who will represent ALL Texans? I know, I know….. It is WAY too much to expect.
Reply »
Sidd Finch says:
We seem to have a lot of insiders on here, so lemme first tell you that I’m a nobody and know nuttin’ about nuttin, other than what I pick up here and there. But here’s how I see it:
1. This is turning into more of a battle for the soul of the R’s than it started out to be. If the fight is going to be about the “right” vs. the “middle”, then my money’s on Tom C.
2. If that happens, I see bad things for Texas this session, and bad things for the R’s in 2010. This state and this country are moving to the middle, and the D’s are quickly claiming that ground.
3. Straus seems like a pretty decent guy and would probably be a good speaker, given that he has an obviously talented set of supporters to serve as floor lieutenants.
4. Whatever the outcome, I think the salad days are over for the Owner’s Box gang. Lots of players have money, not just those guys, and the new money is going to go elsewhere.
5. I don’t like what Will Hartnett stands for, but I like his pluck.
That’s just one guy’s opinion.
Reply »
THE SURREAL ANON says:
One way to look at this pick of Straus, is that an ego check has already happened. Keffer/Solomons/et al couldn’t stomach voting for each other, so they picked the neophyte.
10 well-tenured, mostly past or current Chairmen have just placed their fate in the hands of a guy who has been there 1.7 sessions. I would say egos, or brains (time will tell), have been checked.
We should play a little game. Name Joe’s ‘big’ legislative accomplishment. Don’t bother wondering about Straus’ BIG bill he is known for, rather, try to come up with an amendment he has offered, on anything, ever. Begin.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
I think Geren hoodwinked Solomons and Keffer by privately checking with the Ds in advance, getting their preference for Straus, then getting a majority of the ABCs to pick Straus unbeknownst to Solomons and Keffer. I imagine Solomons is still stunned. Eissler wasn’t in the meeting.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
People lose sight in all this drivel: there are 75 publicly declared Members of the House who are saying “Not Craddick,” – the Dunnam 64 and the Straus 11. That alone makes it mathematically impossible for Craddick to win.
There are four more declared for another Speaker candidate (Gattis, Hamilton, Harless, Kolkhorst).
That’s 79.
No one expects Doug Miller or Ruth McClendon to vote against a San Antonio candidate for Speaker. That gets you to 81.
There are a host of other Republicans who are just waiting for Straus (or someone else) to push beyond 76 to before they declare.
And it’s hard to see South Texas interests understanding how Tracy King could go for Craddick over a San Antonio candidate – he’d be 82.
Can Craddick really rely on Dawnna Dukes? Politically speaking, Straus is Switzerland for Dukes. She could be 83.
So unless the R’s behind Craddick can reshuffle the deck and get Craddick out and someone else in, we’ll have a new Speaker named Straus.
If Craddick goes, then it may be a new ballgame. For the moment, under Craddick vs. Straus well, Straus wins.
Unlike 2007, if there is a dramatic last minute switch, it will come from the Craddick side, not the insurgents.
Reply »
anonymous Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:36 am
When Laney was ousted, he led a minority of 62. If Craddick is ousted, he’ll lead a “minority” of 76. And he will take his $2-3 mill and wage war on Straus/ABCs for five months, just as the ABCs/Dems did against him. Only a speakership that is both non-ABC and not Craddick can prevent meltdown in the House. Any other scenario = meltdown.
Reply »
Texrusk Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Anonymous at 9:31, that’s an interesting, but problematical analysis. A lot of wishful thinking involved.
1. McClendon probably won’t jump. Why should she? And what does her district have to do with the uber wealthy of Alamo Heights? Doug Miller beat a Republican in a district in which the incumbent has lost the primary twice in a row. His big goal is to avoid a primary opponent, and voting against Craddick ensures that he will get one. And his district is a hill country district, not a true San Antonio one. Nobody in Fredricksburg gives a darn about San Antonio.
2. Tracy King is probably in one of the safest districts around. Both parties love him out there. If he loses, it will only be because his name isn’t Hispanic.
3. Dukes switching? Now you’ve got to be dreaming? She’s going to get primaried by the left either way, so why change horses?
You’re analysis is based on the faulty premise that all the switching goes only one way.
Reply »
Anon says:
The ABCs and Dems had Craddick on the chopping block, but this breathes new life into Craddick’s chances. It’s starting to look like that’s what the Ds want: another Craddick speakership. Maybe the Ds are playing the ABCs like a fiddle. Who knows. Only Smithee, Gattis, and Craddick’s pledges with balls can do anything about it now.
Reply »
Gus Mustcher's Ghost says:
I love all this BS about the D’s playing the ABC’s like a fiddle and how the D’s really want another Craddick term.
The line from the Craddick apologists a few days ago was (like little Will Hartnett said) was that the ABC’s were a bunch of egomaniacs who couldn’t get their act in gear and get behind one candidate.
As Gomer Pyle would say: Sur-prise, sur-prise surprise!
The bottom line is that the Members are fed up and want change.
We’ll see what the Demos deliver this afternoon and what other R’s also come on board. There are several enroute to Austin this morning to meet with Straus today.
This thing could be over by the time Craddick starts his meeting on Sunday.
Reply »
aaanon says:
Geren doesn’t hoodwink people…thats one thing he is known for. If Geren really is driving this train,if, and this is a balloon, then another deal is done. Paul remember voucher bill when Geren had a little amendment that allowed for a larger amendment, that allowed voucher pilot program in Harper-Browns district only. He knows how game is played and can count.
Reply »
Morning Statesman says:
Can we pause for a moment to learn something valuable?
Recently a distinguished blogger responded,
“cena con mi madre.” I am quite certain that this highly intelligent person is fluent. Probably studied in Spain or So. America, maybe Mexico. And he was in a hurry. Surely as he was about to type he didn’t hiccup when it came time to insert the verb. So for those of us who don’t know: How does one say I was having dinner with my mother.
Just give us simple past tense, past perfect, and past continuous if you please.
Reply »
Pardon me Ma Ferguson says:
Anonymous at 9:36 am is utterly clueless.
Craddick wouldn’t be leader of 76 anything. Members flock to a new Speaker who controls the Calendars process, committee assignments and various other perks. It will be all peace and love and harmony.
And the Lobby? It will also be all peace and love and ‘let’s support the new guy who already has $621,000 in his campaign account before he even fires a shot in a Speaker’s race.’ Straus could raise $3 million more by summers end. That may be the real reason the ABC’s went with him.
And Craddick won’t stay in the House. He’ll take his $2.3 million he has left in his campaign fund and flee. He’ll be done.
Afterall, that’s how he’ll have to pay his daughter from now on.
Reply »
Observer Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 am
In the unlikely event that Craddick isn’t re-elected speaker, I believe there is no way he’ll leave the House. You’ll expect to see him question every parliamentary move made by the speaker and make the House rue the day they didn’t elect him.
He’ll die in office.
Reply »
texun Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Not Craddick’s personal style.Don’t expect him to bob up and down with parliamentary obstructions. If he’s not reelected as Grand Poobah of the House, he’ll serve out his term, using the skills he’s perfected on the floor, and retire at the primary season in 2010.
Reply »
Texrusk Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Pardon me ma, are you saying that Straus is going to raise money during the session? I doubt it.
If he does, will he continue to use his cash to defeat his fellow Republicans? Since he’ll be put in office by Democrats with a 6-1 ratio, maybe so.
Reply »
Anonymous Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
He has so little experience that he may not know it is illegal to raise money during session. Apparently he doesn’t know that pledge cards are now illegal.
Reply »
anonymous says:
I don’t recall anyone saying the ABCs can’t pick a candidate. I recall people saying that the ABCs will pick a candidate that will help Craddick. Picking Straus over Solomons totally helps Craddick. Burka is right.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
Does anyone know what the status of the ethics complaint against Texans for Economic Development is? From what I recall, Retama Park (read – Straus’ family) had contributed corporate money to Texans for Economic Development. Would it be possible that the corporate contributions were criminal and the push for Straus as speaker is an attempt to protect daddy from prosecution?
Reply »
anon Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH. pathetic.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
How will a Straus speakership not be contentious? Straus and his family went after Betty Brown, Phil King, Linda Harper-Brown, Nathan Macias, etc.
Every R who votes their district and opposes VLTs will live in fear of speaker Straus. At least Craddick had a policy of not having his PAC work against incumbents.
Reply »
The Unreal Anon Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:27 am
Any chance that Paul actually interviews one of the members you mentioned now that that Straus is the consensus pick? It would be real reporting to find out how those whom Straus worked against feel about him
Reply »
Elsbeth Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Craddick’s PAC didn’t work against incumbents?
That’s hilarious.
Reply »
T.J. Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I wish he had worked against MORE incumbents. Then we wouldn’t have all these RINOs around.
Reply »
please Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
“At least Craddick had a policy of not having his PAC work against incumbents.”
that must be a joke.
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS?
Reply »
Frisky Dingo says:
I’m not so sure Straus was a bad choice in some respects. I agree with Paul’s conclusion that not too many members will be excited to see a very, very junior member catapulted to the top. Still, I can see Straus getting the support of many D’s, as well as many moderate R’s. Someone earlier mentioned that this election will be a fight between the Right and the Moderate R’s. I bet that over the next 10 days the well organied, and funded hacks of the Right will deploy their propoganda and unleash their legions in support of Craddick. The Moderates were always decent enought to leave their politics outside of a church, and just won’t be able to mobilize grassroots support in favor of Straus. Once some R members start getting those impassioned constituent calls to vote for Craddick, particularly from the types of people that they know will be voting in the primaries, it may be hard to cast a vote otherwise. Looking forward, this election is a very real side show to the big show that’s going on within the Republican Party. There it’s a fight between the moderates, who have been hunted towards siding with the D’s, and the right, which still thinks that America needs to live according to Leviticus. I know many a moderate R that happily voted for Obama over McCain/Failin.
Reply »
T.J. Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
A Democrat who says he knows a moderate R is like a Republican who says, “I know this black guy…” and then assumes he understands all African-Americans.
Reply »
anonymous says:
Straus’s wealthy family went after incumbent House REPUBLICAN members and used corporate contributions to do it. Isn’t this just a slot machine version of TRMPAC? Talk about an owners box. The owners box will be switched out from tort reformers to gambling interests. Yikes. The difference is that the Ds will control Straus, while Craddick controls Craddick. What the House needs is a speaker who doesn’t have an identified, motivated opposition bloc and who won’t be controlled by any special interest. Craddick isn’t that. Neither is Straus. The list of those TRUSTED to be speaker is small. Hopefully the Ds will use their brains and not choke the golden chance to oust Craddick.
Reply »
let'sbehonest says:
Not happy with Strauss and his gambling ties, but I’m not convinced Craddick is against VLT’s and expanded gambling either. I mean, Kino Flores is Craddick’s boy.
Reply »
anonymous says:
Straus was absent for more floor votes than almost every member of the House. He missed 120 floor votes. Only people like Mowery, Moreno, and Oliveira missed more. What the hell was he doing?
Reply »
T.J. Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:47 pm
What? He skipped votes, was AWOL from the House and attempted to avoid taking positions and standing up for principle?
Sounds like he should run for president instead…
Reply »
Anon says:
Does anyone know of a house member that was defeated based on his/her vote for a Speaker?
Reply »
Don't Mess w/ Pink Reply:
January 5th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Kevin Bailey, defeated in the D primary.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
Craddick vs. Straus.
Let’s just ponder that for a minute.
(giggle, giggle)
Reply »
anonymous says:
Solomons v Craddick = Solomons
Smithee v Craddick = Smithee
Gattis v Craddick = Gattis
Straus v Craddick = advantage Craddick
Reply »
Anonymous #44 says:
I’m with anonymous@11:26. So, if we’re all so smart and can see that this is a losing proposition (for those of us rooting against Craddick), don’t the Gang of 11 (sounds far more imposing than the ABCs) and the Double Ds see the same thing?
What’s the game, friends, what’s the game?
Reply »
Sidd Finch Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:04 pm
As far as I can tell, the choice wasn’t made based on who has the best chance to defeat Craddick, it was simply the outcome of the multiple rounds of voting over at B Cook’s house last night. No one knows the strategy behind those votes, not even the 11 themselves. I’m quite sure there were plenty of hidden agendas and jealousies that manifested themselves in the various votes, and Straus emerged on top. Now they have to get behind Straus because they agreed to do so, not because they thought long and hard about it and decided he had the best chance to win. I don’t think it’s any more complicated than that.
Reply »
Anon says:
I think the game is get to 76 as quickly as possible. Smithee is very popular with the Democrats, but won’t jump in until Craddick has had a chance to pull it together. D’s now have to decide whether to go with Strauss now, or wait on Smithee. If they wait on Smithee they won’t necessarily be the kingmakers because the Craddick Rs could end up determining the next speaker (by choosing between Strauss or Smithee). I think the ABCs realized a candidate who is well-liked by the Ds has the best shot of closing the deal before Smithee jumps in. The downside is it could help Craddick get a few D defections. But that is a risk with any of their candidates.
Reply »
Chad Briscoe Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Do you really think that a non-Craddick D will defect to Craddick before he’ll vote for a pro-choice R? Or that he’d jump to Smithee? I don’t think I buy it.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
I just heard that the meeting of the Democrats just broke up and they have no consensus around Straus!
Reply »
anonymous says:
So in reading all of these posts on Straus…
1. He’s a nice guy from San Antonio
2. He’s preferred by most of the Ds and the 11 naysayer Rs
3. He hasn’t really done much, except what his wealthy parents have handed him
4. He votes like a Leftist, when he actually shows up to the Floor to vote
5. His wealthy family goes after incumbent House Rs with corporate contributions who cross them
6. He’s beholden to the special interest of slot machines and stands to make a mint off of their legalization at his family’s horse track
7. He’s not beholden to the special interest of tort reform
8. He has a pleasant demeanor
9. His experience consists of 1.7 sessions in the House
10. He’s not Craddick
Does that cover it?
Reply »
Pardon me Ma Ferguson says:
Meeting just broke up? That’s a false posting if I ever saw one.
Here’s one you can bank: Straus now has 20 pledge cards from REPUBLICAN members.
The fat lady is tuning up.
Reply »
xmarkswhat Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Talk about false posting. If Straus had 20 pledge cards from Republicans, he would have a press conference, right now, with the 64 + 20 and end this thing. The more this is prolonged, the less chance any contender has to oust Craddick. Turns out the King isn’t dead.
Reply »
Anonymous Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I thought they weren’t allowed to do pledge cards anymore?
Reply »
anonymous says:
20 pledges from Rs? from the eleven + gattis? smithee? craddick? kolkhorst? riiiiiiiight. that’s complete BS.
Reply »
anonymous says:
I still want to know who will be parliamentarian.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
I heard Milton Rister will be parliamentarian regardless of who is speaker.
Reply »
Anonymous Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Oh, dear God, no, not that obnoxious Milton Rister.
Reply »
anonymous says:
Hmm. Off the kuff made it sound like Rister was out if Craddick was out.
http://www.offthekuff.com/mt/archives2/2009/01/013052.html
Reply »
THE SURREAL ANON says:
lol
Reply »
Anonymous says:
another blog site said rister was out if craddick was out.
Reply »
The Inquisitors are in need of an Enema! says:
Rister! Ha HA! Next you will be telling me that Quinn Sullivan will be picked to lead a bipartisan effort to pass campaign finance reform to provide more transparency.
Without Rister, Sullivan, and the host of other Grand Inquisitors, Craddick would never have imploded so quickly. Give thanks to these bozos.
Reply »
anonymous says:
Rister and Keel will be gone.
Do you hear that tick, tick, tick’ing sound? That’s the sound waiting for the 64 Ds unified against Craddick to announce today that they’re unified FOR Straus. Don’t hold your breath. 2-3 of the ABCs will probably break against Straus too, after a coupla days. The only thing the 75 have in common is that they’re against Craddick. Once they realize Straus ain’t the answer they thought he was, they’ll look for the next possibility. We’re down to Gattis and Smithee. Ten days left.
Reply »
pollabear says:
looks like 64 ABCDs = only 60 votes for Straus..really they have to meet with him personally? whatever it takes..
Reply »
Texas Publius says:
So Craddick has more pledges than Straus?!? Does that sound like 75 unified people announcing the next speaker of the Texas House today? I don’t think so. Nice job ABCs and Dunnam. … The House is split 76-74. It’s basically a smell test. The best candidate to restore peace and civility to the Texas House (read: defeat Craddick) is one who BOTH sides must hold their noses to, and when they do there’s no scent. The Ds can still smell Craddick even when they hold their noses. The Rs can still smell Straus when they hold theirs. Yes, Craddick is most of the Rs’ Santa choice. Yes, Straus is most of the Ds’ Santa choice. That’s why neither one will win. Each of them are beholden to particular special interests. … Keep your eye on the ball (unlike Solomons did by backing Straus). Neither Smithee nor Gattis are beholden to any special interest, and they’re known for telling special interests off. With Smithee or Gattis, both sides have to hold their noses, and when they do, there is no scent. Neither side can get their Santa wish of a scent-free speaker. Ain’t gonna happen. Craddick out, Straus out.
Reply »
Amendment by... says:
Straus seems like a nice guy. But he’s essentially the son of a wealthy man who handed him a seat in the Legislature via special election thru his relationship with Gov Perry. Straus has yet to serve two full sessions and doesn’t bother to show up to vote much of the time. This is the guy who’s going to stand up to Dewhurst? Ogden? Perry? Special interests? I can’t see many of the more senior House members, R and D, having respect for that–and more importantly, trust. Straus has to prove himself as a House leader first before he can assume the enormous responsibility of speaker, especially in these uncertain economic times. There would be serious consequences to Texas for injecting hyper-inexperience into the speaker’s office this budget cycle.
Reply »
anon says:
Saturday 4:00-
Coup Communication director Kronberg release statement: “The Democratic caucus is going to educate members on Straus?”……oooh
You betta run run from Craddick the hun hun…….
Reply »
Art Vandelay says:
If there was anything that even resembled a kay abortion votes last session, Cathie Adams would have included them on her scorecard. The NARAL rating is irrelevant. I will be waiting to hear her call for Will Hartnett’s head, since he got the same score Straus did on her scorecard. If Straus is an enemy of “pro-life, pro-family” values, she should at least be consistent and go after the likes Hartnett, Sid Miller, and John Zerwas.
Then, of course, there is the issue of Straus’ rating from Peggy Venable’s Americans for Prosperity. RINO Straus got a 90, which was good enough for third highest in the House. A score like this certainly means that higher taxes are coming, doesn’t it?
Reply »
Will Hartnett Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
My NARAL 2007 rating was 0. Straus received a 100% rating. The next best Republican was 14%.
Reply »
Floozikins Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
You should be ashamed of yourself, Rep. Hartnett. That is NOT the change we need.
Reply »
Floozikins says:
Grow up.
Reply »
Just a Peep says:
I can’t find any significant piece of legislation that Straus carried or was asked to carry. I did see where he authored legislation that would’ve further raised property taxes by allowing libraries to tax our property. HJR 88. Luckily that didn’t go anywhere. Hasn’t been on Appropriations, Calendars, Sunset, or a Chair. Regulated Industries handles complex, substantive stuff. It’s a plus he served there. Anything else significant?
Reply »
anonymous says:
Who are you people? Hopefully, you don’t have anything to do with running our state government. Your posts are similar to the conversations that might be found in a girl’s high school lockeroom. Admit it. Most of you are just repeating what someone else has told you; several are just making stuff up; and one or two might have some good inside info. Question for the one or two truly informed guys —- why are you sharing what you know with a bunch of wannabe’s?
Reply »
ME Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Do you really think people are going to read this and suddenly quit reading and posting? The Speaker’s race is important to people and this is a forum for discussion. Get over it.
Reply »
Elsbeth Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
“Question for the one or two truly informed guys…”
Guys?
Reply »
Anonymous says:
Where the action is happening: Straus meeting individually with D’s at Johnson brothers office in the westgate: the gaming boys have their speaker.
Reply »
anonymous says:
Joseph Richard Straus, III holding meetings with Democrats at the offices of slot machine lobbyists? No way. Change we can believe in!
Reply »
whatever says:
The problem with selecting someone like Straus who has no proven record of doing anything significant to show that he is a fair negotiator is that all we have to look at is his policy positions which are extremely problematic for a vast majority of R’s and all the conservative Ds. The problem with Craddick has never been about his personal philosophies–it is his style of leadership which includes unapologetically running over the minority party and whipping up on his own supporters on behalf of special interests. Seems to me that the members are more interested in going back to having a speaker who is fair to everyone and encourages members to vote their districts. Straus hasn’t even been around long enough to know anything different than Craddick’s style. Same with Gattis. For the sake of the House, bring on Smithee or pray Keffer has the sense to revoke his “Gang of 11″ membership card.
Reply »
anonymous says:
I’m not counting Solomons or Keffer out for switching their support IF Craddick drops out and releases his pledges.
Reply »
Red Zone says:
In an audio interview today with the Houston Chronicle, Joseph Richard Straus, III says it “disturbs him” that Craddick went after incumbent Republican House members in their re-election campaigns, directly or indirectly, based on a vote on an issue. Uh, earth to Joseph Richard Straus, III…what the hell do you think your father’s been doing?!
Reply »
Anon says:
There’s an awfully small pool of experienced parliamentarians out there. Does Denise Davis come back under another speaker?
Reply »
Anonymous Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:40 pm
As I said relative to Milton Rister, Oh, dear God, no, not Denise Davis!
Reply »
anonyless says:
Possibilities…
Denise Davis
Chris Greisel (Denise’s asst)
Hugh Brady
Reply »
anonymous says:
I agree with whatever at 5:48. We need a Speaker who has experience. There must be a member who is more experienced than Straus who a majority can support. Keep looking.
Reply »
Sam says:
One other note from that little audio Americana…Straus says that the defeat of Pat Haggerty was the moment where he decided to go against Craddick. Really? Not Geren? Not Casteel? Haggery? Sweet Lord in Heaven. He’s already lying to the press and the public.
Also regarding his list of former speakers who came in with “2 or 3 session” under their belts…Check the calendar Joe…you’ve been in for one full session, a few specials, and about half of another regular. That ain’t two and it’s sure not three.
Any more senior members out there feel a little pissed about being passed over for a rich kid with ties to gambling?
Reply »
Elsbeth Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:09 pm
“Any more senior members out there feel a little pissed about being passed over for a rich kid with ties to gambling?”
Are you still a kid at 49? Good to know.
Reply »
anonymous says:
I agree that if Straus really did say that it was Craddick’s going after incumbent Rs that set him off, he’s already being hypocritical with members and the public. Not a good sign. The interview looked like it was being conducted from the office of the slot machine lobbyists the Johnson brothers. Don’t they own the Houston area dog track that wants slot machines? “Ties to gambling” is understating it. More like “owned by gambling interests”, heck “IS the gambling interest.” The slot machine lobby is looking to BE the speakership, not merely buy it.
Reply »
Frisky Dingo says:
With regard to the experience, did Gib Lewis or Rayford Price have much by way of experience before they were elected Speaker? How about Ben Barnes, who was elected Speaker after five years in office?
Reply »
Will Hartnett Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Gib Lewis served 12 years (with 2 chairmanships) before becoming Speaker. Rayford Price served 11 years (with 3 chairmanships) before becoming Speaker.
Reply »
anonymous says:
I noticed in that Straus interview he didn’t say HE had 76 votes. He said his team told him he had 76 votes. In 2007 didn’t McCall say that? And then Pitts? And then Craddick?
Reply »
eponymous says:
I’ve heard Straus has 58-60 Ds, 11 ABCs, and 1 frosh R. I’ve heard 4 of the 64 Ds are holding out and 2 of the 64 are assuring both sides of their loyalty (double pledged). That would have Straus at 70-72. Wonder if those 70-72 stick when Smithee files, or if Craddick bows out?
Reply »
Pardon me Ma Ferguson says:
Frisky – Gib Lewis had been in a decade before first being mentioned for Speaker. Both Price, Lewis and Clayton were in the House roughly 12 years prior to being elected Speaker.
Barnes became Speaker after only four years in office, not five.
Reply »
Updated Math says:
As of about 30 minutes ago:
Straus Pledges from the 64: 61
ABC’s: 11
House GOP Freshmen: 2
Craddick D’s: 3
Wobbly R’s: 4
TOTAL: 81
This train is leaving the station.
All Aboard!
Reply »
Waxahachie Prom Queen says:
Hugh would piss off so many members, he would manage to un-elect whichever speaker for whom he was working. Talk about a mid-session coup.
Reply »
anon says:
Paul, where are you to update us on the Speaker’s Race so we don’t have to continue “relying” on the comments from those who don’t actually know?
Reply »
paulburka Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I have heard a lot of rumors. Most of them cancel each other out.
Reply »
Mercury says:
This Straus-has-the-votes message sounds like an orchestrated attempt to give the appearance of momentum. Bluffing is the lifeblood of Speaker races.
Reply »
paulburka says:
To the disgusting anon at 3:34 p.m. –
Your comment was worse than inappropriate. I have repeatedly asked commenters to refrain from personal slurs against public servants. I will talk to Eileen about getting this comment removed.
Reply »
Floozikins Reply:
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, anon.
Reply »
Emeyekaye says:
wow… the attacks here on Straus remind me of the desperate sophomoric vilification of Obama during the last few days of the presidential campaign.
Have Republicans just decided to let college Republican idiots run their business?
What happened to the GOP? oh well… I only wish that the same thing happens to the Ds and they both crash and burn… the party system = traitors to the U.S. Constitution.
Reply »
Gary Fan says:
See http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/San_Antonian_will_face_Craddick.html
Reply »
anonymouse1 says:
fascinating. the comments, not the item.
most fascinating is, are the Ds going to endorse an insurance guy? a word search on this list of comments as of 8:35 p.m. shows that the word, “insurance”, was used once. so the ubiqutous critics say the governor and perry favor insurance but they favor for straus?
how’s THAT going to sell in the district?
Reply »
Anonymous says:
Did Straus say in his interview that someone had signed a pledge card? Aren’t pledge cards illegal now?
Has Straus filed as an official Speaker candidate? Did he accept use of the Johnson brothers’ office as an in-kind contribution?
That looks like two ethics complaints on the way!
Someone with more experience in the Legislature would know better.
Reply »
Distinguished Gentleman says:
While my support for term limits is well known on this blog, I must say that selecting a member who has only been in the House since February 2005 is really stupid.
Even colleagues having a strong desire to oust Craddick would find it extremely difficult to support a relative newbie, like Straus, when there are members who have “paid dues” for many years. Unless Smithee jumps in, I think Craddick will get a 4th term in the Speaker’s Chair if Straus is the best that the 64 D’s and the ABC’s can come up with.
Like Paul, I see this as a serious misstep.
Reply »
Anonymous says:
To anonymous at 3:34 p.m. that was totally inappropriate. Shame on you.
Reply »
anonymouse1 says:
misstep is the nicest way to describe it, extinguished gentleman. he is, and there’s no other way to put it, the best the 11 could come up with. none of their own heavyweights. no one who had stature and experience in the house, who had worked with the other members for some time. joe straus is a heck of a nice guy and will be, we believe, a great member before all time is writ. unfortunately, tonight he is the only one who the 11 could agree on. what’s that tell you? that they’re not that united? that they’re not that powerful? hmmmm ….
Reply »
Sam says:
Elsbeth–49 is the new 25. It’s a law.
Reply »
Henry Pitch says:
Very impressive website, good job
Reply »
Stuart says:
Great read, thanks
Reply »