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Open Thread: House Chamber Liveblog

by: Phillip Martin

Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 00:42 PM CST

(Resolution on voting: vote on a piece of paper and sign your name. Amendments could do several things to those pieces of paper: (1) require the paper to be destroyed, (2) require the votes to be immediately recorded in the Journal, or (3) require that the papers be recorded in the Journal and made public after the newly elected Speaker had made committee appointments. - promoted by Phillip Martin)

We're counting on you, readers! The House Chamber video isn't working, so those in front of a TV, please keep adding comments to this thread to let everyone know what's going on.

**Update**

Other sources of good information:

Chron Blog
In the Pink Texas
Postcards from the Lege - Statesman
The Texas Blue
Capitol Annex
Brains and Eggs
Gregs Opinion

Tags: Texas Lege, texas speaker, Jim Pitts, Tom Craddick, Speaker's Race, (All Tags)

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Open Thread: House Chamber Liveblog | 62 comments

they just adopted some rule... (0.00 / 0)

im not sure what. Rep Oliveira asked if it would put craddick up there.

by: Morter Forker @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 12:49:13 PM CST

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Rules of last session... (0.00 / 0)

They temporarily adopted the rules from last session. Oliveira asked to clarify that adopting the prior rules wouldn't put Craddick into the chair. It does not, no one objected.

There's a resolution to vote on that will come up next...the resolution on how to vote for Speaker. Once its loaded on the computer, members can vote on it.

I'm done live-blogging. Got to work. Will post something at the end of the day...

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

by: Phillip Martin @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 12:54:57 PM CST

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I'll try to keep everyone updated... (0.00 / 0)

I'm in front of a computer, but my video feed is still working... for now.

HR33 is being distributed right now... I BELIEVE (don't quote me on this one) it deals with the NOMINATION process for speaker.

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:02:09 PM CST

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What is H.R. 33? (0.00 / 0)

... and is it good or bad?

by: Boddhisattva @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:05:57 PM CST

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Let me add a HUGE caveat... (3.00 / 1)

I'm watching this, so I'll write on what I see, but I don't have the resolutions in front of me/am not in the ledg, so I don't have ANY inside information/know what's going on...

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:14:51 PM CST

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caveats (0.00 / 0)

we don't care! we're delighted to hear anything and everything! i so regret not going over.
thx,
jamie

by: ag8grl @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:19:29 PM CST

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HR 33 (0.00 / 0)

Passed about ten minutes ago. It adopted the procedure by which members are nominated and receive seconds.

Right now, they're preparing the rules for voting on the Speaker's race...

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

by: Phillip Martin @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:20:30 PM CST

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New Resolution... (0.00 / 0)

Thanks... I just wanted to state on the record that I am NOT coming into this talk as an insider/"pro" and am, in fact, more clueless than anyone who went to the ledg. I'm kinda wishing I had gone over today as well, but I guess I'll have to live vicariously through those who did! :)

They're now about to hand out a resolution on granting floor privalidges to people.

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:22:03 PM CST

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Passed without objection... (0.00 / 0)

Basically, it's just going to let everyone stay in their seats during voting (at least that's what I got out of it)....

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:35:25 PM CST

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Stall Tactics? (0.00 / 0)

Speculation here in the pink dome is that Team Corruption (aka Craddick) is at it again.

It appears he is looking for a few precious mins to twist arms.

If he had the votes to win back his speakership, we would be done already.

by: Matt Glazer @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:31:19 PM CST

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Yup... (0.00 / 0)

That's what I hear/theorize at least...

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:34:05 PM CST

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Center aisle (0.00 / 0)

What is up with the mass of reps clustered in the center aisle. They're just standing there. Why are they lined up in such an orderly fashion? Are they caucusing?

by: dembones @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:32:56 PM CST

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They're... (0.00 / 0)

...all probably trying to figure out what's going on, just like all of us.

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

by: Phillip Martin @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:35:07 PM CST

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This feed needs (5.00 / 3)

a John Madden-esque commentator scribbling on screen Xs and Os. "Here's Craddick's minions here, here and here. Craddick exited here 12 minutes ago with Rep. X, Y and Z... Pitts is here (circling) offering a juicy committee to Rep. Q....

by: dembones @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:39:09 PM CST

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DUDE!!! (0.00 / 0)

I am SO all over that! I would be perfect, I even kinda look like Madden! Could I add sarcastic commentary, too? Kinda like Dennis Miller when he did Monday Night football (for what, one game? I just remember the "I haven't seen a sack like that since the visigoths sacked Rome" comment)...

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:41:19 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Capitol Annex, too (5.00 / 2)

I'm liveblogging at www.capitolannex.com

Vince Leibowitz

by: Vince Leibowitz @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:35:05 PM CST

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Cool (0.00 / 0)

Thanks, Vince

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

by: Phillip Martin @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:35:30 PM CST

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HR35 Being Distributed (0.00 / 0)

It's the consensus voting procedure. Is it secret or not? Random or alphabetical roll call?

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:45:08 PM CST

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Secret Ballot! (4.00 / 2)

a. paper ballots
b. voting box for marked ballots
c. member called to cast ballot... folded (secret)
d. SoS and auditor counts signed ballots

by: dembones @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 13:59:28 PM CST

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Maybe (3.00 / 1)

Votes still have names and districts and the resolution does not stipulate what happens after the vote.

One resolution proposed said the names would be release after committee chairs were assigned, this resolution doesn't do that yet.

It is far better than a roll call vote, but it is not a secret ballot...yet.

by: Matt Glazer @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:09:24 PM CST

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Three Options (0.00 / 0)

a) Ballots revealed after Speaker takes oath

b) Ballots are kept secret until after committee assignments are handed out (this is good!!)

c) Destroy the ballots after vote (this takes away accountability completely and destroys our right to know the outcome, so I don't support it)

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:18:28 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Paper Ballots counted by auditor and SoS (0.00 / 0)

Who is the auditor I wonder?

Also, just like the Representatives, we want paper ballots too (as required by the Texas Constitution) for the very same reason of having evidence versus the voting machines' no evidence or hidden evidence. Elsewise, you have the following kinds of issues:

http://www.bbvforums...

The Hillsboro Reporter
Election Complaint Under Investigation

by Art Mann

http://www.hillsboro... 12&hn=hillsbororeporter&he=.com

Affidavits alleging criminal conduct in Hill County's November general election has apparently initiated an investigation.

snip

Vote fraud and voter disenfranchisement are alleged, perpetuated by, but not limited to, Elections Systems and Software (ES&S) in their use of secret, uncertified software code on the electronic-voting machines purchased from the company and used by the county during the election.

It alleges that every 10th vote cast on a machine for a Democratic candidate was flipped to the Republican candidate in that race by the software.

Bodovsky said Tuesday afternoon, January 2, that the allegation was based on a pattern he detected while monitoring the recount in the county judge, treasurer and two commissioner races.

The affidavit alleges that if the 10-vote flip is proven true, Republican candidates could have gained a 20-percent advantage on machine-cast votes.

.....

And it is very important so that we can vote out these science denying and climate collapse denying authoritarians with their extinction level job performance.

by: ProveOurDemocracy @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 17:06:22 PM CST

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Here it is... (5.00 / 1)

1) Voting procedures a) paper ballots with member name/signature/district number b) voting box for ballots c) member called in order of district to go to voting area and put into box d) after all members vote, clerk counts votes

2) Runoff: majority rules, top two go to runoff if no majority (not applicable)

3) Votes: a) Tie = redo vote b) In runoff, if no majority bc of tie, additional runoff vote until it's broken

4) Oath: AFTER election, Speaker gets Oath and takes chair

5) Clerk retains ballots (and does WHAT with them??)

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:00:55 PM CST

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Now... (0.00 / 0)

They're taking Amendments

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:05:52 PM CST

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thank you, live bloggers! (0.00 / 0)

i had to run to a meeting right as this started, so thank you to david, dembones, greg, vince, pdiddie, and everyone else who's been liveblogging. yall keep it up - i still can't get the video to load.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

by: annatopia @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:14:31 PM CST

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Default Position (3.00 / 1)

Another amendment is being introduced for voting at desks/board. Rep. Dutton getting chastised for introducing it.

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:22:40 PM CST

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patrick's vote (0.00 / 0)

i am real curious to see how dianne is going to vote. parentPAC and democrats in her district elected her, yet she showed up at cradDICK's party.

she better figure out quick that she needs to dance with those that brung her. if she votes craddick, she's going to get challenged hard from the dem side in 08.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

by: annatopia @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:27:20 PM CST

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I keep missing the name of the guy (0.00 / 0)

... who's posing the question about calling for a public vote.

------------------------
The Texas Blue - Advancing Progressive Ideas

by: Josh Berthume @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:27:55 PM CST

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never mind. (0.00 / 0)

It's King. That's what I get for listening to the stream and not watching.

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The Texas Blue - Advancing Progressive Ideas

by: Josh Berthume @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:30:38 PM CST

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what the hell was that? (0.00 / 0)

who was that?

by: Morter Forker @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:35:35 PM CST

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The delay til Thursday? (0.00 / 0)

Senfronia Thompson

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The Texas Blue - Advancing Progressive Ideas

by: Josh Berthume @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:41:56 PM CST

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Amendments (0.00 / 0)

So as far as we know, the amendments we know of so far either make the votes public immediately, make them public after committee assignments, or make never ever make them public ever?

------------------------
The Texas Blue - Advancing Progressive Ideas

by: Josh Berthume @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:35:57 PM CST

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I think craddick is playing for time... (0.00 / 0)

if he was sure hed push it through on any format.

by: Morter Forker @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:41:22 PM CST

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A fucking coin toss.... (0.00 / 0)

ROFL

by: Morter Forker @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:42:32 PM CST

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WTF!?!?! (0.00 / 0)

Umm, yeah, we haven't entered the twilight zone...

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:43:14 PM CST

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Oh man (0.00 / 0)

We're advocating for either a bare-knuckle brawl or some sort of rock/paper/scissors match.

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The Texas Blue - Advancing Progressive Ideas

by: Josh Berthume @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:46:12 PM CST

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Idea: (0.00 / 0)

What about hot oil wrestling? :)

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:48:01 PM CST

[ Parent ]

what do you mean? (0.00 / 0)

more details for those of us who can't watch the stream, please.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

by: annatopia @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:47:35 PM CST

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Coin Toss... (0.00 / 0)

The toss will decide which amendment hits the floor first.

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:48:42 PM CST

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thanks! EOM (0.00 / 0)

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

by: annatopia @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:52:05 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Blah... (0.00 / 0)

All kinds of points of parlimentary procedure are up... Question about open records request, if three members can force a recorded vote, etc...

It looks like there will be two amendments in the final analysis, release the names immediately or after committee assignments.

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:42:40 PM CST

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Phil King is protecting Craddick's job - big time (0.00 / 0)

It sounds like they're going to call for a recorded vote no matter if a secret ballot amendment passes. It's in the constitution, according to King.

Article III Section 12. On the request of any 3 members of the House a recorded vote will be recorded.

by: sonia @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:49:23 PM CST

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king's WRONG (0.00 / 0)

the constitution says that elections for OFFICERS can be held by secret ballot. vince has the relevant section up at capitol annex.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

by: annatopia @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:51:39 PM CST

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Vince has something on that (0.00 / 0)

He's got it in the constitution where that section is superceded by something allowing for secret ballots elsewhere. But Vince's site is down, I think: http://www.capitolan...

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The Texas Blue - Advancing Progressive Ideas

by: Josh Berthume @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:51:43 PM CST

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Phil King is protecting Craddick's job - big time (0.00 / 0)

It sounds like they're going to call for a recorded vote no matter if a secret ballot amendment passes. It's in the constitution, according to King.

Article III Section 12. On the request of any 3 members of the House a recorded vote will be recorded.

by: sonia @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:49:25 PM CST

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Open Records... (0.00 / 0)

Apparently, what ever action they take today will NOT be subject to the Open Records Act...

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:51:52 PM CST

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is hartnett a pitts or craddick backer? (0.00 / 0)

Are there any fence sitters out there?

by: Morter Forker @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 14:58:15 PM CST

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Hartnett is probably backing Craddick (0.00 / 0)

Why else would he be asking for an immediate release of the ballots after the results.

Talton makes a powerful argument about withholding the results to protect the body.

by: dembones @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 15:08:06 PM CST

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hartnett is a craddick lieutenant (0.00 / 0)

He's one that is VERY close to craddick.

by: muse @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 16:09:58 PM CST

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Amendment One (0.00 / 0)

Public will know ASAP (immediate defined as: before anything else happens).

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 15:03:44 PM CST

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This is why (0.00 / 0)

I never watch sausage being made either.

Nerve wracking.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

by: boadicea @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 15:06:25 PM CST

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who was that (0.00 / 0)

that just took Williams to it?

------------------------
The Texas Blue - Advancing Progressive Ideas

by: Josh Berthume @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 15:07:34 PM CST

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Yay Moreno! (0.00 / 0)

Dan Branch is a tool. In his opinion, the supporters of a delayed release of names are demonstrating a lack of "political courage." No sir, it is about avoiding the winner taking retribution out on his opponents until after the committee assignments are announced.

by: dembones @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 15:14:02 PM CST

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Oh come on... (0.00 / 0)

How can you say you're not having FUN yet!!! :)

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 15:11:38 PM CST

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Come over here (0.00 / 0)

so I can smack you up side the head.

Thwwwwwwpbt.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

by: boadicea @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 16:08:32 PM CST

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What?? (0.00 / 0)

"It doesn't prohibit our ability to do it, it just limits it"?

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 15:15:53 PM CST

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Amendment to Amendment 1 (0.00 / 0)

Geren has an Amendment to Amendment 1, a "speaker protection amendement ;)" Noone knows how a member voted until after the committee assignments are dolled out.

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 15:18:14 PM CST

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I want double the hoopla!!! (0.00 / 0)

More hoopla = More fun for all! :)

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 15:19:11 PM CST

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Point of Order... (0.00 / 0)

Now there's a break while they research the point of order on whether the temporary rules they adopted preclude this amendment! :)

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 15:33:18 PM CST

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Policy Wonk Boy... (0.00 / 0)

OMG, I'm going to die before this guy shuts up. Craddick must pay him per the minute...

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 16:19:40 PM CST

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Policy Wonk Boy... (0.00 / 0)

OMG, I'm going to die before this guy shuts up. Craddick must pay him per the minute...

by: David O. @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 16:20:46 PM CST

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-1 for Craddick (0.00 / 0)

Well, it looks like that one was pretty much shot down. The amendment to the amendment's constitutional, and it overrides any call for a record vote.

The Texas Blue: http://www.thetexasblue.com

by: George Nassar @ Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 16:41:15 PM CST

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Open Thread: House Chamber Liveblog | 62 comments

Burnt Orange Reader

Checking back in on the Farouk Shami/Bill White primary

- Shared by KT

Shami And His Beefy Aides!

- Shared by KT

Come see Bill White tomorrow

- Shared by Phillip