Quorum Report has some news and speculation surrounding HB 2107, the bill that would move Texas to the National Primary on Feb 5th.
We are not sure why the air has gone out of the balloon but HB2017 by Helen Giddings is stalled in the Senate.
Speaking off the record, at least one senator indicated they were uncomfortable, complaining that the bill was an incumbent protection program that diminished the significance of the primary for non-presidential races.
The reason for the stall seems to be Republican ambition.
It's purely speculation, but should the 2010 gubernatorial primay campaign boil down to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison vs. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, a short primary season would likely play to the Senator's advantage because of her higher name ID. The longer the campaign season, the more impact Dewhurst's presumed financial advantage would have.
HB 2107 found broad bipartisan support in committee and on the House floor. With time running out to pass legislation, it would be a shame for 20 Republicans in the Senate to ignore the will of the House and the deep support of both the Texas Democratic Party and Texas Republican Party.
