The Best and Worst Legislators of 2005

Honorable Mention

Senator Kim Brimer (R, Fort Worth), for resolving the Senate deadlock over taxes

Carter Casteel (R, New Braunfels), a rare GOP champion for teachers

Warren Chisum (R, Pampa), for his best-in-show debating skills

Scott Hochberg (D, Houston), for his expert opposition to GOP education policy

Lois Kolkhorst (R, Brenham), an emerging leader in the country-gal mold

Vilma Luna (D, Corpus Christi), the go-to lawmaker for health care advocates

Brian McCall (R, Plano), a model of propriety and hard work

Senator Eliot Shapleigh (D, El Paso), the conscience of the Senate (which doesn’t want one)

Senator Todd Staples (R, Palestine), whose senatorial skills match his statewide ambitions

Senator Royce West (D, Dallas), for successfully defending the top 10 percent rule in college admissions