Rep. Turner Wants To Become Speaker

Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Houston) has tossed his hat in the ring for consideration to become the next Speaker of the House in Texas. He's joins a half dozen or so Republicans that have announced their plans to seek the office.

Now I'm starting to believe that Speaker Craddick may really be in trouble. Turner is a true Craddick loyalist, and has been so for several sessions now. He even helped to author the bill that ensured the last election for speaker would be by roll call vote, and not by secret ballot.

When loyalists like Turner seek to become speaker, then there is an excellent chance that Craddick's reign is over. His candidacy is a good omen for the people of Texas.

But I cannot bring myself to support Turner's candidacy. He has been too close to and supportive of the dictator Craddick. In fact, if it weren't for a few Democrats like Turner throwing their support behind Craddick, we could have already been rid of him. What the heck was Turner thinking?

I really can't see good House Democrats voting for Turner. He's just too closely tied to Craddick, and Craddick has never treated the Democrats fairly in his long tenure as speaker.

However, I do believe the Democrats should solidly support a representative from Houston, and there is one who's declared her candidacy. Of course, I'm talking about Rep. Senfronia Thompson. She has had the courage to stand tall and oppose the Craddicks of the world, and she has the intelligence, passion and experience for the job. She has earned the support of all true Democrats.

I urge House Democrats to vote for a terrific Democrat, and turn their backs on all the members of the Craddick cabal. Vote for Rep. Senfronia Thompson!