| The State Republican Executive Committee -- which, based on Burka's writings, appears to be little more than a tool for Speaker Craddick -- shocked no one by endorsing a public ballot for Speaker today. Here is Rep. Merritt's reaction to it (the only one I've received or seen so far): Rep. Tommy Merritt, R-Longview, is very disappointed with the State Republican Executive Committee’s decision today to adopt a resolution that condemns selection of a new Speaker of the Texas House by private ballot. “The private ballot is part of the foundation of this nation and should not be undermined by a few party activists more interested in seeing Speaker Tom Craddick re-elected than giving House members the same right when they vote,” Merritt said. [...]
Merritt went on to tout his own position in the Speaker's race: I know the next Speaker will be a Republican and I am pleased with the support my candidacy has garnered,” he said. “I think I will win this race, but until the members know that they will cast their votes privately – as has been done in almost every contested Speaker’s election – no candidate for the position should announce the list of their supporters.” Merritt is urging all Speaker candidates and Members to attend a “Speaker’s Summit” in Austin on Dec. 17 to discuss the race, the rules for running the House and the private ballot issue.
There are lots of arguments for and against a secret ballot. KT has written about it previously. Thoughts? Should there be a secret ballot? |
