Rep. Brian McCall (R) & Rep. Fred Hill (R) File for Speaker

Something to consider... (0.00 / 0)

Seems to be more of what I noted on the post about Pitts.

And, while the ballot for Speaker may not come first, who will replace Craddick is a consideration, and I don't think you'll see a move forward until a consensus is reached about who will replace him. What good does it do one of the contenders, if, after you vacate the chair, you have to endure the ensuing bloodbath of a Speaker's race and bills continue to die, whereby you could all be accused of killing bills, possibly even the budget.

A lot of ducks to get in a row here, but it's more like herding cats (if I might indulge in such metaphors), and thus the more factured this "insurgency" becomes, the less likely something will happen.

But, I wouldn't underestimate the stupidity or suicidal tendencies of some of these guys.

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by: toby belch @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 09:01:41 AM CDT

Multiple candidates... (0.00 / 0)

How would a Speaker's race work if there were multiple candidates?  Would there be an initial vote and after none of the candidates get 76 the top two would square off, or what?  Are there any other possible Repubs that will jump in today or tomorrow?  Also, isn't there a chance that McCall would run for Congress if Johnson retires?

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by: Indigo @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 09:19:04 AM CDT

That was a great question... (3.00 / 1)

I had to do some digging to satisfy my own curiosity. According the rules established in HR 1, section 4c, a runoff would take place between the top two candidates.

I think that they would probably use a new resolution, but it would probably follow the lines we saw in January: fights over open or secret ballots, etc., etc.

It's a mad House.

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by: toby belch @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 10:45:15 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thanks Toby (0.00 / 0)

Now that Fred Hill has jumped in, this has to be the plan....right?  Maybe if there is a motion to vacate, the more candidates there are w/ their own camps the more likely it is to hold Craddick back from his 76 (then one out of the 3-4 challengers will gain the support of the 2-3 other candidates)?  Instead of just jumping into a cut-and-dry Rochambeau?  Or maybe that is nowhere to being right and all these dudes are sincerely thinking they have the votes....but that seems kinda doubtful.

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by: Indigo @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 11:01:46 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's possible... (0.00 / 0)

that they're attempting to get more candidates in the race to defeat Craddick, or that could benefit Craddick, because I wouldn't rule out the sincerity of these guys or their desire to grab the chair for themselves. Things are so insane right now anything could happen, if it ever does, which itself is becoming suspect.

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by: toby belch @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 13:03:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

GASP!!! What? A democratic election for Speaker? (4.00 / 2)

If the Chair is vacated, I would believe the first order of business would be to adopt a new resolution on the method of election of a new Speaker.

Clearly, with 5 or more active candidates that would be advisable.

Amazing the amount of bull shit running through the Capitol about there not being consensus on a candidate, etc.  I read that this way:  "We, the Lobby, weren't given time to pick our choices for Speaker! How dare the members actually have this discussion without us!!!!.

So, I for one, am quite eager to see a little "d" democratic race for Speaker.  I'd love to see a series of votes with the lowest vote getter being dropped.

Consensus in a new leader would be a nice thing to see.

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by: Glen Maxey @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 11:27:41 AM CDT

Democratic candidate... (0.00 / 0)

I'm just going out on a limb here, but we shouldn't be expecting a Democrat to announce for this session, right?

However, in the event that we do take back the House after the 08 elections, who is the likely Dem candidate for Speaker?  Is it universally understood to be Senfronia, or would it be a member of the Dunnam/Coleman/Gallego "Triumvirate," or possibly even some Craddick D?  I know that is getting way ahead of things, but I was just curious.

Anyways, at least this insurgency seems to have more support than the one in January.

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by: Indigo @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 11:36:18 AM CDT

Senfro knows the ropes (0.00 / 0)

Ms. Thompson ran as a placeholder for Democratic pledges in the previous race.  She is observant enough to know that this legislature would not elect her as Speaker.  Likewise, the backlash against a Craddick D would be too much, and I think each of them knows that all too well.

And, despite my immense respect for Garnet or Gallego, God help us if the Democratic Caucus gets too heavy-handed in trying to pick the replacement.

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by: huisclos @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 14:22:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

... (0.00 / 0)

Aww, that sucks.  I've been wondering who would be the Dem candidate (in the event of Dems winning the chamber in 08/10) and just assumed that Thompson was the choice, due to her longevity and (at least what I perceive as) respect within the Chamber, not to mention that having a female and African American Speaker in Texas would be cool.  But, if we were to have 76+ Dem seats, what would prevent us from having Thompson as the Speaker?  Would Craddick Ds really cast their vote for a Speaker Keffer?  And, if so, why in the hell are they running as Dems?  This is kind of depressing to me, lol.

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by: Indigo @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 17:04:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I nominate Patrick Rose (0.00 / 0)

for speaker

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by: tired of weakness @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 14:06:18 PM CDT

This is unrelated, but... (0.00 / 0)

Isn't someone from BOR going to liveblog on the closing of the session over the next few days (from both houses)? I'd do so from a journal entry, but I've also got some music work to do tonight (just took on keyboards/lead vocals in a variety band recently)....

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 16:22:29 PM CDT

Rose and Lucio drop Craddick (0.00 / 0)

Harvey at quorumreport.com has quotes from Rose and Lucio that they are withdrawing their support for Craddick.

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by: colin @ Tue May 22, 2007 at 18:10:46 PM CDT