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