Lobbyists Pressure Lawmakers To Support Craddick

Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick [R-Midland] would like to remain in his Speaker's position when the new Texas Legislature meets. To do that, he needs 76 of the 150 House members votes. He has claimed to have the support of over 100 members, but that support is not binding, and any member could change his mind.

Last Tuesday's election clouded the issue a little. It raised the number of Democrats in the House to 69. It would only take a few unhappy Republicans to get together with these Democrats, and they could choose a new Speaker. Some believe this is very possible.

It looks like Craddick believes it may be possible too, because he has unleashed the lobbyists on reluctant lawmakers. These lobbyists know that the favorite for Speaker in the new legislature is Craddick, and they want to make sure their own pet bills don't get ignored.

Rep. Jessica Farrar [D-Houston] says that lobbyists are pressuring lawmakers to support Craddick, and warning them they could be ruined if they don't. Farrar is asking the Texas Ethics Commission to make a ruling on whether the actions violate the law. She said that lawmakers have been told they wouldn't receive desired committee seats if they oppose Craddick, and she believes this may constitute legislative bribery.

If Rep. Farrar is counting on the Texas Ethics Commission to rein in Craddick's power play, then she is sadly mistaken. As Rep. Lon Burnam [D-Ft. Worth] learned earlier this year, we can't even get the Texas Ethics Commission to make state officials declare the amount of gifts they receive. These is no way they are going to stand against a powerful Speaker such as Craddick.

Many House members consider Craddick's reign in the House to be rather authoritarian. If the Democrats would stick together, they could probably get enough Republican votes to install a new Speaker. Do they have enough spine to get the job done? We're fixing to find out.