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Dan Gattis has told the Austin American Statesman's Laylan Copelin he is running for speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.
The Statesman has pointed out that Gattis was one of Craddick's lieutenants during the 2007 session but has been uncommitted since the November election.
On Wednesday Burka discussed Gattis as one of the, "none filers" but possibilities.
Staying with the non-filers, what about Gattis? He is one of the most talented members of the House. He didn't have a good meeting with the Democrats-he stuck up for Keel-and some of them see him as a stalking horse for Craddick. I worry that Gattis doesn't have enough seasoning to assume a leadership responsibility, or whether he is willing to smooth the rough edges of his ideology. Some members regard him as brash and abrupt. So what? Talent covers a multitude of shortcomings.
One of two things is happening: 1) Republicans smell blood in the water and are leaving Craddick to create their own political power, or 2) Craddick is playing a game. He could be getting his lieutenants to run for Speaker so he can have some sort of control in the 81st Session or at the very least be a king maker to a more conservative speaker.
Regardless of why Gattis is in, it is becoming clear Craddick doesn't have the votes. He is either creating a safety net for himself or can't even keep his most vocal supports from challenging him. |
