If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well
It were done quickly — Macbeth, Act I, Scene 7
A move against Craddick seems inevitable now. Three things have occurred that have changed the nature of the insurgency. First, and most important, the effort to dethrone the speaker is now being led by Republicans; Democrats can only watch and vote when and if the time comes. Second, the insurgents’ hesitancy about taking action during the session has hardened into resolve. Third, Craddick’s over-the-top reaction (as they describe it) to the challenge has against him has reinforced the will of those who have decided that he has to go. Senators were amazed late last week when House negotiators halted the process of getting the budget ready for printing to ask for last-minute changes in the higher ed budget. Carrots for on-the-fence members? This delay may jeopardize the prospect of getting the budget adopted without running afoul of a point of order.
The story is one of several I was told yesterday by one who sympathizes with the insurgents, including the tale of a heated confrontation between Craddick and one of his committee chairs, to which my immediate reaction was: “You should hold a press conference.” At this stage of the came, talk is cheap, especially off-the-record talk. I do not fault Craddick for resorting to a “by any means necessary” approach to keeping his position. Well, almost any means.
The insurgents say they have the votes to beat him. If so, they should heed well Macbeth’s words.
