Baxter's Revolving Door
By Karl-Thomas Musselman
Funny guy that former Representative Todd Baxter.
AAS: Todd Baxter, who resigned as state representative from Austin two weeks ago today, has become the state cable industry's top lobbyist, the group said Monday.
Baxter, a Republican, left his state House seat Nov. 1, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.
I guess we know who Baxter's real family is- the Texas Cable & Telecommunications Association.
Baxter's official title will be vice president for government affairs and general counsel. He replaces Kathy Grant, who resigned to go into private practice on Oct. 20. She lobbied for the industry this session as cable providers bitterly fought to stop legislation they say gave SBC Communications Inc. and other phone companies an upper hand as they begin selling television services.
And the best part? Kathy Grant retired on the same day as Baxter. Like that wasn't planned...
"I have enjoyed working in the Legislature in a variety of capacities, but I expect this endeavor to be the highlight of my professional career," Baxter said in the statement.
Anyone who thinks being a cable lobbyist makes for an exciting highlight to one's professional career, obviously wasn't having near enough fun as a legislator. Of course, for Baxter, it's not like this will be much of a change in job description, since he was serving the same function during the actual session (and special sessions).
During the regular session, Baxter was a member of the House Regulated Industries Committee, which oversees the telecommunications and electric industries. He played an active role in Senate Bill 5, the bitter legislation that pitted cable and telephone companies against each other.
Baxter voted for the legislation, which passed during a special summer session. He unsuccessfully pushed for a provision that would have let cable providers get out of their local franchise agreements and qualify for a single statewide franchise. SBC Communications Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., have been granted such franchises as they roll out their new television services.
Nice knowing you. I look forward to a Rep. Andy Brown or Rep. Donna Howard next year (since the Kathy Rider campaign can't even bother themselves with a website or a candidate a step above "snooze").
Posted by Karl-Thomas Musselman at November 15, 2005 01:15 PM
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Donna Howard is the grown up, Nick. Fifty years old, a recognized expert on both public schools and public health, the top two major issues facing Texas, and someone with a history of working in a non-partisan way to get things done. Exactly what voters are looking for. You can run political hacks if you like, but they'll get beat next year. Check out a poll, any poll. Voters are rejecting candidates with political profiles in favor of candidates who can get results. That's why Chris Bell can't catch fire and why Rick Perry's approval ratings are in the dumpster.
Obviously, if Baxter had won by a big margin last year, he would never have resigned. He'd still be there, voting against public education, against abortion rights, against health insurance for poor kids, against electoral representation, against a clean environment and against pretty much everything that's good.
Thank you, Kelly White.
