No Fear or Corruption Caused by Craddick

Perspective? (0.00 / 0)

I guess it all depends on which end of the arm-twisting you are on...

Full Disclosure: Former Political Director for Lee Leffingwell for Mayor of Austin

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by: sccs @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 12:17:03 PM CST

Berman is implying that McCall is breaking the law (0.00 / 0)

Chapter 302 in the Texas Government Code (the so called "Speaker's Statute") forbids Speaker candidates from making any promises in return for a vote. This is called legislative bribery.

See my post on this here:

http://muse-musings....

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by: muse @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 13:19:36 PM CST

No Fear or Corruption Caused by Craddick (0.00 / 0)

Thank the Lord this guy is not my rep.

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by: spur em on @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 13:32:23 PM CST

Man, I love this. (4.00 / 2)

I love the Republican underdog attitude even when they're on top. You could make them God, and they'd still complain about how even though they were omnipotent that pesky devil keeps taking control of things and doing all sorts of things they don't want.
Hopefully Craddick gets voted out just so we get some legislation. I know many Republicans and Democrats who no longer care who runs the legislature just as long as the do SOMETHING.

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by: tthomas48 @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 13:41:57 PM CST

How Are We Reduced To Supporting Republicans For Speaker? (0.00 / 0)

How is it that Burnt Orange and other Democrats support a Republican for Speaker?  I suppose it not so surprising from Burnt Orange as they are really more part of the establishment than bloggers. You never fully know the motives at work when people are more concerned with how close they are to power instead of representing different voices. As for Texas rank-and-file Democrats---I'm less certain of why they feel any need to support one Republican over another. Thank you. 

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by: neilaquino @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 20:15:33 PM CST

There is no Democrat in the race (0.00 / 0)

Therefore, there is only one party of candidates to choose from. Rep. Thomson has endorsed McCall.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 21:53:35 PM CST

[ Parent ]

There Is Democrat In The Race (0.00 / 0)

In the 8 years I've lived in Texas I've often found that there is no Democrat in the race. In Houston, in Harris County and Statewide--time and time again--there is no Democrat in the race. Now we have no Democrat in the Speaker's race. You're used to it I guess. Not me. Thank you.

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by: neilaquino @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 22:50:57 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Oops Myself. I Left Out A No (0.00 / 0)

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by: neilaquino @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 22:54:26 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You want some cheese with that wine? (0.00 / 0)

Geez Neil, one might mistake you for a pissed off Republican.  Isnt this the type of rhetoric  that drove so many to vote Democrat this election?

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by: Grubejs @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 22:14:57 PM CST

[ Parent ]

oops - add the H (0.00 / 0)

To spare any witty comments - yes, I missed the H

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by: Grubejs @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 22:20:20 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I've Only Lived In Texas 8 Years And So Maybe I Don't Take Getting My Ass-Kicked As A Given (0.00 / 0)

I've got no problem with some degree of  cross-aisle cooperation. I've got no problem with Democrats with positions that differ from mine. What I can't imagine is Democrats so beaten that they are figthing over what Republican to support for House Speaker. You folks have a funny way of doing politics down here. Maybe that's why this state is damn near 50th in so many measures quality of life. Thank you.

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by: neilaquino @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 22:32:18 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Its a work in progress (0.00 / 0)

First off, we need to change that "you folks" to "Ya'll."  Secondly, you need to choose which is more important – football or whiskey.  It’s a tough decision, don’t get me wrong.  I still haven’t decided. 

Tom Craddick is a major pothole on the road to taking back the house.  He is one of those potholes that just seems to royally screw everything up just after you’ve gotten an alignment.  They keep filling him up with asphalt and he continues to be a big of a hole as Sean Hannity.

Getting Craddick out of the Speaker’s Chair would be a major milestone for our current state of affairs.  The house has a majority of Republicans so naturally a Republican will be the Speaker.  The key is putting someone in power who is less crooked than the Sooner’s football program.

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by: Grubejs @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 22:53:33 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I Don't Really Enjoy Football. I Do Enjoy Reading. (0.00 / 0)

And so when Democrats take back the House we will be sharing power with Republicans? And when we have a majority it will be okay for Democrats to cut deals with Republicans to elect a Speaker? Thank you. 

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by: neilaquino @ Fri Dec 29, 2006 at 23:20:43 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Practically anyone is better than Craddick... (0.00 / 0)

unless it's another prick like Leo Berman.  I live in that sucker's district also.  As a matter of fact, he just lives a few miles from me.  Even the Republicans from here think that he's an idiot!

He had better enjoy these next two years, because we're going to make a real effort to vote him out in '08.  This area is on the verge of getting back to its roots (Democratic roots), and that will be real trouble for Leo.

True Texas democrats have to stay actively involved during this session on all issues.  Even if your rep. or sen. is a Republican, you have to contact them and express your opinions on issues throughout the session.  To keep them somewhat honest, send their capital office and district office an email after every contact just to let them know that you're keeping score and recording their comments.  That's how we keep them somewhat honest.

Then, when the time comes for campaigning, come to Tyler and help us beat the ass-kissing scum, Leo Berman!

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by: hank @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 00:00:19 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Hank... (0.00 / 0)

is this Hank, as in the awesome Hank Gilbert? 

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by: Indigo @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 00:02:43 AM CST

[ Parent ]

smile (0.00 / 0)

Is there any other?

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 05:26:13 AM CST

[ Parent ]

That would be him...<eom> (0.00 / 0)

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by: McBlogger @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 12:28:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Hank: So you live in HD 6?? (0.00 / 0)

I really should have placed 2 and 2 together.  For some reason I thought you lived across the county line in Henderson Co.  Just know that if you're ever interested in taking a shot a Berman that I'd be more than happy offer up any help that I can give.  I've even got summers off (I'm a teacher)!

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by: Cody Yocom @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 07:00:13 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Of course we should... (0.00 / 0)

...this is a "red" state these days.  The only way to get any power, realistically, if you are in a red state is to share (if you're blue).  Better to have a foot in the door than forced to sit in the corner outside...

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by: Michael Redding @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 01:34:38 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Wrong Idea (0.00 / 0)

Yes Neil, good call.  When Democrats come into power maybe they should act like leftwing jerks and get voted out just like is slowly happening to the Republicans for acting like rightwing jerks.

You sound like the school bully who takes people's money and hates to share.  Last time I saw, acting like a partisan ass makes you lose seats.  Maybe I am wrong, but the best thing to do might be to come in as a bi-partisan minority and garner respect than act like a bunch of misfit punks. 

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by: Grubejs @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 03:01:11 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Republicans Slowly Voted Out As Demographics Change (0.00 / 0)

And if anyone is adhering to a party line and is angry like a bully it is you. What I see is a state where Democrats helped a Republican Governor who turned out to be the worst President ever. I hope whatever we got in exchange for that was worth it.

People can get along across party lines without one party reduced to not even fielding a candidate for Speaker and fighting over what Republican to endorse.

You've yet to write about how how you've called Democrats in Washington to give up committee chairs to Republicans in the US House.

Thank you.

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by: neilaquino @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 06:00:11 AM CST

[ Parent ]

When bush was governor.. (0.00 / 0)

..he wasn't half as bad as he was as president.  Guess power DOES go to your head.  As governor, he didn't screw things up nearly as bad as Governor Good-hair has done...

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by: Michael Redding @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 18:11:38 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Re (0.00 / 0)

It's called "choosing the lesser of two evils" and if you don't think it's an important distinction then you're too stupid to vote.  How is it better for the people of Texas to sit on the sidelines and allow the greater of two evils a chance to rule?

Sheer stupidity.  That's a BIG reason why Tx Dems are the minority party.

XT

Christian Liberal is NOT an oxymoron.

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by: Xpatriated Texan @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 04:52:59 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Calling People Stupid Makes You Just As Bullying As Many So-Called Christians I've Met In Texas (0.00 / 0)

So I'm certain you fit in quite well in these parts.

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by: neilaquino @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 05:48:29 AM CST

[ Parent ]

How sad. (0.00 / 0)

You must really not like it down here in Texas.  That is a crying shame. 

Rather than argue about the IQ of the voting public here in Texas I am going to take my NRA carrying, football watching, whiskey drinking, Texas Democratic self on down to San Antonio to watch the Longhorns beat the hell out of Iowa. 

Sadly for you, there are a hell a lot more like myself.

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by: Grubejs @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 08:46:11 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I Like It Enough To Think It Can Be Better (1.00 / 1)

Sorry that you have given up on the place.

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by: neilaquino @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 16:29:14 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You delude yourself.. (0.00 / 0)

..if you think that Texas will ever be a one-party state again.  The best, and easiest, way to become part of the governance of the state again is to make friends with the other side, not treat them like dog shit.  Craddick is learning this the hard way.  When he wakes up in a few weeks to find he's no longer Speaker, maybe then people will get the message that rabid partisan devotion (no matter which side of the aisle you are on) does not work.

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by: Michael Redding @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 18:14:13 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I'm Sorry (0.00 / 0)

But that is not what I've been saying. These exchanges don't really seem to bring out the best in people. Including myself. I simply believe that a legislative chamber should be governed by a cohesive majority party.

This party should have a program and should rise or fall at election time based on that program. Such a party should have an internal left, right and center. It should be a big tent as we have a big state and only twom parties.

It is one thing to work across the aisle on specific bills. That's fine. It is another thing to have a free-for-all where Democrats don't even have a candidate for Speaker. I did not vote for Ellen Cohen here in Houston with the idea that she would be voting for a Republican Speaker.

A few years from now Democrats are going to control the House. We are giving away our  power at that point with our actions today. We can really do something down the road. We can't get so much done today in any case. Democrats should oppose the majority and offer a real choice for the next election. This is what the public deserves.

It is not about left or right at heart. It is about governing and having parties responsible to the electorate. I regret that this has become angry and am sorry where I had a part in that anger. 

Thank you.

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by: neilaquino @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 18:33:05 PM CST

[ Parent ]

What... (0.00 / 0)

What experience do you have with the Texas Legislature? I ask, because all of your thoughts seem to operate in this theoretical world that is simply not possible or practical for operating normally under any circumstance.

The telling sign is this belief that "we can't get so much done today in any case." What the hell?

And you keep saying we should work across the aisle on specific bills. Look at the ethics bill where there were 94 out of 150 signatures for it in the TX House -- plenty of Democrats and Republicans working across the aisle -- but didn't come to a vote (and thus couldn't pass) because Craddick wouldn't allow it to be put on the Calendar.

It seems like (a) you don't have any knowledge of the past years of the TX Legislature, and (b) you're willing to accept terrible, terrible, terrible legislation for two or four more years in order to keep Craddick as Speaker.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 19:57:48 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Round And Round (0.00 / 0)

Well I've said that I've lived in Texas for 8 years and I'm sure I've said somewhere in all this that I live in Houston. So if you're meaning to establish that I have not been around the legislature in Austin you have indeed put two and two toghether.

What I did do was work in politics for a number of years in Ohio where, for the most part,Republicans are Republicans and Democrats are Democrats.

Republicans have power for a time and then Democrats have power for a time. Sometimes you are in and other times you are out. That is how it works in more normal places.

The evidence of the past work of the Texas legislature is clear enough in so many negative ways in this state.

Have you ever spent time outside of Texas? That's a real question. Not sarcastic.

I know Mr. Craddick is a bad Speaker. But the public voted and retained a Republican majority. They expected republicans to govern. That is real life. 

Again, is the expectation that we will allowing Republicans a major say in who the Speaker wil be when Democrats take back the House?

The other thing is that I sought to change the tone of this exchange. In person I'm as polite as can be and I regret that I was not online. That's why I say thank at the end of these comments. You are free to mock that if you wish.

Thank you.

 

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by: neilaquino @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 20:27:42 PM CST

[ Parent ]

How Often Do You Folks Delete Comments? (0.00 / 0)

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by: neilaquino @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 21:01:14 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It's not mocking... (0.00 / 0)

...but from one Houstonian to another, you've gotta realize, we don't live in "normal".  As close as we are to a governing majority in the state house, we're down 20-11 in the Senate.  If we lose one more Democratic senator in the statehouse, the Republicans have a supermajority, and it won't even matter if the Democratic senators show up each session.

You say that in Ohio, Republicans were in charge and then the Democrats came into power for a while?  Well, I hate to say it, but this Republican hegemony is likely to last for quite some time.  From 1877 to 2003, there was one party rule in the statehouse, and hopefully it won't take another 120 years to flip it back.  But if it does, it's better to govern together, rather than the intense partisan atmosphere that infests Austin presently.

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by: Michael Redding @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 21:10:59 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Don't Demographic Trends In Texas (0.00 / 0)

Suggest a much quicker turnaround in power towards Democrats?

And look...It seems to me that if BOR were really serious about this stuff then maybe they would take ads at election time from Republicans they find "reasonable." Have I missed these ads?

And here we are just days before the session and BOR is, as far as I've seen, offering no real policy suggestions for what Democrats in the minority should be doing with what power they do have. Much of the content, though not all, is inside baseball stuff that is stale almost as soon as written.

Or how about advocating methods of election such as PR that might blunt hyper-partisan politics?

It's easy to gang up on one guy you disagree with. How about some real examples of leadership in the direction of all the talk. 

Thank you.

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by: neilaquino @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 21:26:08 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The problem is... (0.00 / 0)

...under Craddick, the Democrats have no power.  Is it better to create pipe dreams and fanciful wish lists for the legislation we would come up with, or should we try to get the bully out of the playground?

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by: Michael Redding @ Sun Dec 31, 2006 at 01:00:52 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Re (0.00 / 0)

It's easy to gang up on one guy who talks out his butt without having a clue.

Why don't we advertise for Republicans before the election?  Because, my simpleton friend, we are trying to win a majority and advertising for the other side would be stupid.

Why do we push for a moderate Republican for the Speakership after the election?  Because, my simpleton friend, the election is over and we aren't going to have another one for two years.  In the meantime, people are going to suffer if the same wingnut runs the House.  So we are exercising LEADERSHIP - meaning we are trying to get people to do something that would benefit them they would not otherwise do - to try and make this situation as best as it can be.

XT

Christian Liberal is NOT an oxymoron.

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by: Xpatriated Texan @ Tue Jan 02, 2007 at 13:37:13 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Re (0.00 / 0)

When you were in Ohio, how often was the Speaker from the minority party?  I'm just asking because I've never heard of such nonsense.  If eight years of being in Texas haven't taught you this simple lesson, I'm wondering how many years in Ohio failed to teach you the same lesson.

XT

Christian Liberal is NOT an oxymoron.

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by: Xpatriated Texan @ Tue Jan 02, 2007 at 13:34:13 PM CST

[ Parent ]

One more thing... (5.00 / 1)

Thank you.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 19:58:01 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Re (0.00 / 0)

Okay, I'll use very small words for you:

A Dem CANNOT be Speaker with a Rep majority.

That's why all the non-dumbass Dems pick a moderate Republican to back.  Doing otherwise would ensure the biggest wingnut of them all would have the Speakership - which is why Craddick is where he is.

XT

Christian Liberal is NOT an oxymoron.

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by: Xpatriated Texan @ Tue Jan 02, 2007 at 13:32:14 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Re (0.00 / 0)

"calling people stupid" is not bullying.  It's stupid to say so.  Especially when what I'm saying is true.

I'm also not sure what "these parts" you are talking about. 

I'll just chalk it up to offering proof of my original thesis.

XT

Christian Liberal is NOT an oxymoron.

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by: Xpatriated Texan @ Tue Jan 02, 2007 at 13:30:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Re (0.00 / 0)

I gotta say - that reply is funny as hell.  "I'm a conservative republican.  He's a conservative republican.  There's no problem."

Apparently he is saying that conservative republicans are either exempt from corruption or that they are simply so used to using corrupt operating practices that it is redundant to speak of both conservative republicans and corruption.

Funny stuff.

XT

Christian Liberal is NOT an oxymoron.

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by: Xpatriated Texan @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 04:51:16 AM CST

Couple things, Neil (0.00 / 0)

1) No, I haven't lived outside of Texas, which is why I'm not talking about anything outside of Texas.

2) Your obsession with how things are "supposed" doesn't hold water with this discussion, because we're talking about the way things work.

3) You're operating under the assumption that voting for a different Republican Speaker somehow surrenders the Democrats' ability to take back the House in two or four years. That's a terrible assumption to make.

4) This "Republican majority" you're discussing is a little flimsy considering that (a) no Democrat incumbents lost, (b) more Democrats represent Texas this year than last year, and (c) the Governor didn't even get 40% of the vote.

5) You're also working under the assumption that no policy will matter for the next two-to-four years.

You have yet to address why we shouldn't do everything to fight for better policies on any dozen of issues in the next session, or why on earth you don't think any policies matter. In fact, you're really not adding anything to the discussion beyond redundancy and self-promotion.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 21:23:54 PM CST

As I Was Trying To Say (0.00 / 0)

You click my name and it does not go back to my blog. I am not mentioning my blog at all. I respond to you, after you twist my words, and you say I'm doing bad stuff. If I'm doing bad stuff than please stop responding. I asked you to stop attacking and you still attack. I called my last comment to you "round and round" suggesting I was reaching my limit instead of wishing to go on. I'll tell you what--why don't we see how it goes and take it up at some other point if you wish. I'm sure you are an okay guy. Have a good night. Thank you

 

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by: N.Aquino @ Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 22:13:14 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Food for thought... (0.00 / 0)

Some people are angry the Democratic Representatives even have a vote in the Speaker's race.  Well, the Speaker is one of the top offices in Texas, right?  It's voted on by achieving a majority of the State Reps.  State Reps are, obviously, elected by the voters in their district to represent the district's interests in Austin.  If ONLY Republicans voted on it, wouldn't that disinfranchise a LARGE part of the state so those voters had no say whatsoever in who was elected to a top state office? 

It seems obvious to me Democrats should vote their district in this race.  Craddick has been SO awful that I cannot understand how voting for him would help ANYBODY'S district.  Another Republican would be FAR better.  Thus, you vote for the better option.  When we achieve a majority status, then WE will have a Democratic Speaker.  All Democrats will vote together and that vote will allow us to get a consensus choice.  If, however, that speaker happens to be truly awful, then Democrats might defect and a concensus moderate choice might have to emerge, probably from the majority party.  That is what is happening here.  Hopefully, I pray to God, we NEVER have to face that situation.  However, if we do, then I, for one, am GLAD that we have a system in place that allows recourse over abuse of power.

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by: David O. @ Sun Dec 31, 2006 at 12:51:15 PM CST