And he was one of the Recipients of 2001 FREEDOM AND FAMILY AWARDS - Honorable Mention from the Texas Eagle Forum.
Nobody will ever claim we like Craddick's policies or leadership style, but it is quickly becoming clear that Keffer is just more of the same. If the rumors are true and they vacate the chair, then lets make sure the next Speaker is an improvement.
With Keffer publicly campaigning to not only vacate the chair, but also eyeing the big prize for himself, it got us wondering, isn't this the same guy who stood shoulder to shoulder with Tom Craddick in Janurary?
One of Keffer's own press releases sums it up best.
The spirited race for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives has raised some interesting questions by Republican and Democrat members and members-elect about the future of this fine institution.
[…]
First, I strongly support the reelection of Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick. Why? Because in order to have a successful process, such as School Reform and Property Tax Relief, we need loyalty and leadership; and I firmly believe our legislative body has accomplished landmark legislation under the leadership of Speaker Craddick.
[…]
Because of his past successes, I am confident in Speaker Craddick's ability to meet this new challenge; therefore, I respectfully ask my colleagues to consider and support his reelection to a third term. .
That seems bold, but it gets better. On January 7, 2007, days before the big vote, Keffer actually attacked his fellow Republicans in order to defend Craddick. In a release submitted to Quorum Report, Keffer states that Craddick had the votes and Republican's to vote for Craddick.
Speaker Craddick has more than enough pledges to win the Speaker's race on Tuesday. My fellow Republican colleagues Geren and Keumpel were not among those counted on his list. The bluffs, exaggerations, and failed press conference claims have proven that when all is said and done, there will be more said, than done by our opponents.
I have encouraged Speaker Craddick to adjust to the new session and our new Texas House membership with a new approach to achieve broader bipartisanship and regional inclusion which will enhance the representation of each legislator's respective district.
Because of his past successes, I am confident in Speaker Craddick's ability to meet this new challenge and I respectfully ask my colleagues who are still undecided to consider his re-election to a third term. Like all the other members who have pledged to Tom, I will vote for Speaker Craddick on Tuesday, January 9th.
Not to mention a statement signed December 26, 2006 along with other Chairman saying, "[Craddick] is known for fairness and making tough decisions, qualities that are indispensable to the House of Representatives. His critics can't attack his honesty, his character or his accomplishments. We know that without Tom's unwavering focus the many accomplishments that we have achieved during the last two regular sessions and numerous special sessions would not have been possible."
Keffer clearly sees there is blood in the water and is making a run at Craddick not because it is good for Texas, but because it is good for Jim Keffer. We will continue to look into Keffer as the day progresses.
The rumors abound are that Jim Keffer might be most openly making the rounds, but there isn't a single member in the House that doesn't want to be speaker. Is Keffer the best choice to represent every Texan? Probably not, but Keffers open campaigning is a clear sign that the House is influx.
Could make for an interesting couple of weeks.
UPDATE: The speculation post:
Latest word is the confirmation that if they can get the votes, they definitely will do this and probably Monday and no later than Thursday.
UPDATE: Just found this comment on Burka's blog very interesting.
...in 1996 when Mr. Keffer was first elected he filled out the National Political Awareness Test offered by the bipartisan Project Vote Smart. On the question that asked, "Please indicate the changes you will support (if any) concerning Texas' tax levels for the following categories" he indicated for the category on "Business Taxes" that they should be "Greatly Decreased." However, Mr. Keffer was the primary author of the tax bill in the most recent special session and during the current legislative session, he has adjusted that bill by GREATLY INCREASING taxes on Texas businesses. All the while, Mr. Keffer's own business - EBBA Iron, Inc. - has been targeted for huge tax breaks based on his tax legislation.
AG SUSPENDS OPINION ON SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS FOR 60 DAYS House Energy Resources puts pending legislation on hold to give time for an acceptable compromise. Attorney General Greg Abbott released a letter this morning in which he agreed to put in abeyance for 60 days his opinion holding county clerks strictly accountable for keeping social security numbers out of public documents. In the letter, he said he hoped the delay would "allow the Legislature ample time for thorough deliberation and action."
When the opinion was released last week, county clerks across the state either stopped or severely curtailed the distribution of public records until Abbott's order was clarified. Title companies and oil landmen, who rely heavily on access to public documents, were immediately affected.
HB 2061 was filed this week to address the issue but was pulled from consideration by the House Energy Resources Committee upon word of Abbott's decision to put a hold on his order. Bill author Jim Keffer said he was pleased with Abbott's action, saying he'd rather be working with the AG, rather than working against him.
Texas Association of Counties spokeswoman Elna Christopher struck a more cautionary note, saying that the letter by itself has not resolved the issue. "All this does is leave us in limbo," she said.
From Quorum Report it seems that while there is movement, it's not going towards Craddick. There are only 6 days left for someone to save Craddick's sinking ship.
House Ways and Means Chairman Jim Keffer (R) formally endorsed Tom Craddick for speaker saying, "After serving under two House Speakers, I have learned that frustrations and concerns can be justified without being justification for a new Speaker. I have encouraged Speaker Craddick to adjust to the new session and our new Texas House membership with a new approach to achieve broader bipartisanship and regional inclusion which will enhance the representation of each legislator's respective district.
Freshman Republican Thomas Latham has withdrawn his pledge to Speaker Craddick and moved his support to challenger Brian McCall. Latham said he has a high regard for Craddick but said, "I promised my voters that I would represent their values and concerns and I believe I can best do that with Mr. McCall." Latham personally spoke to the Craddick to inform him of his decision last Thursday.
Freshman Republican Patricia Harless has also rescinded her pledge to Craddick. At the moment she has not pledged.
So Keffer chooses corruption but says he'll vote for it acknowledging that it needs to change. Latham and Harless get it and understand that there is no benefit to allying themselves to Craddick anymore. He can't protect them and the best thing they can do is create a house where members can vote their districts. What a concept.
Off the Kuff has an in-depth update of today's happenings.
