Despite some rather vehement contradictions from readers who posted comments, I continue to believe that unless Pitts comes forward with names today, he’s toast. Here’s why: The first person to produce a credible list of supporters with sufficient votes wins a speakers race. Craddick’s list has not been credible because McCall was claiming that he had 16 of Craddick’s 83 (now 82) pledges. If Pitts doesn’t show his hand, Craddick’s list will become credible in the eyes of the members. All of this noise about the Democrats being upset about Pitts is genuine but irrelevant. If Pitts has enough Republicans, the Democrats will help elect him. If he doesn’t, they will support Senfronia Thompson, assuming that someone nominates her for speaker and she accepts. I’ll post more after the press conference.