Jan 9
OK, nobody told me that people had been waiting in line for HOURS to get tickets to sit in the House gallery. It was easier to get in to see Barack Obama. Right now, I’m sitting in an overflow room in E2 that was reserved for friends of Rep. Valinda Bolton so guess who’s a friend of Valinda Bolton? Me.
On my way down, I saw Rep. Craig Eiland and said something stupid about “slow day in the House, huh?” as he looked at me and walked away. I also spotted Chris Bell. I expect him to show up in this room any minute. Andy Brown told me that he’d be sitting with Dick Armey up in the gallery so keep an eye out for him. (Andy, that is.) We’re about to get started so click Refresh to get my instant reaction on the Speaker’s vote which will either be self-righteous smugness or abject horror.
12:01PM. Speaker Craddick just got voted out. Kidding. Bells went off and then a message about the House “convening shortly” which can only mean that Craddick is in the back “cracking skulls.”
12:02PM. Bells again. Am I the only one hearing those? (P.S. footlonghotdog - try a chilled pinot grigio.)
12:05PM. If anyone could bring me a sandwich, that would be great.
12:07PM. I hear pigeon meat is cheap these days. (/what?)
12:09PM. Who is that guy on the Speaker dais? Seriously? Scratch that. It’s the Secretary of State.
12:10PM. Invocation. I should stop blogging. It’s disrespectful.
12:12PM. National Anthem. I should stop blogging. It’s disrespectful.
12:14PM. I’m experiencing technical difficulties. I smell a grackle. There’s either a baby crying in the background or a double dipper’s getting tortured.
12:18PM. Robert Haney’s doing the Roll Call of members. Members can either answer “Present” or “Check me out!”
12:20PM: I’ve already lost interest. Although Haney’s Spanish accent is enough to keep me watching. It’s almost as bad as mine.
12:27PM: I have roughly 66% battery power left.
12:29PM: Oath of Office. Please repeat after me: “I, State Your Name.” “I, State Your Name.” Dummies.
12:30PM. I just asked the eight other people in this room if they wanted to place bets. Oh, whatever, like I’m not used to blank stares.
12:32PM. They just called up Eiland, Geren, Chisum, Coleman and someone else. Everyone in here agrees that Chisum is an awful man. I’ll be filming everyone later to post on YouTube for intimidation purposes.
12:38PM. They’re standing at ease. And asking people to leave. Worst. Party. Ever.
12:42PM. Reportedly Craddick is telling people that he doesn’t hold grudges; he just kills people in their sleep.
12:46PM. Show Andy Brown standing by in case of voting fraud. Show DPS standing by in case Patrick Rose gets clocked.
12:48PM. They’re looking for Tommy Merritt. I bet he’s been grackled.
12:50PM. The SOS keeps reminding people that we’re here to “do our business,” which sounds like a mass potty break. And, it kind of is. Corbin Van Arsdale offered up some resolution (for an open vote?) which is being copied on one of the House’s c. 1986 xerox machines. It should be ready by next Friday.
1PM. I just snored and woke myself up.
1:15PM. HR 33 by Charlie Geren on how to vote for Speaker. Will Hartnett moves adoption. Resolution adopted. I have no idea what this means.
Now they’re looking for Chisum. Grackled.
1:26PM. Valinda’s staffer just came in here. I’m totally busted.
1:34PM. JCBT wants Eiland to do something so he can write a post entitled ‘Eiland’s In the Stream.’ This is what I have to work with.
2:24PM. Server outage. I blame the Craddickavian Bird Flu. Did I miss anything?
2:39PM. I am no longer at the Capitol (what part of ‘escorted out’ do you not understand?). And I’m just as clueless as you all (not an insult) because I can’t get the video stream up on my computer. This will have to be a COLLABORATIVE EFFORT, readers. Either we can do it in the comments or you can email me and I’ll give you a byline.
Update: Lawrence Collins has agreed to live text message.
2:51PM. LC says, “No real action at this point. Lots of parliamentary posturing about the vote procedure. I’d say we are a long way off from an actual vote on the Speaker. Sidebar: Senfronia (in her vintage style) just went to the back mic to fu*ck with the Secretary of State by asking if he’d entertain a motion to postpone til Thursday.”
3:09PM. Someone sent me a backdoor video stream to the House floor. They’re on HR35, Amendment 1, Talton’s at the back mic, Hartnett’s on the front. Hartnett says he doesn’t want the double-pledgers to “have their cake and eat it.” Fascist. He says he doesn’t want to protect double-pledgers. He’s doing it for the citizens of Texas. Really? Because, as a citizen of Texas, I’d like to personally tell Hartnett that I don’t give a sh*it.
Dan Branch says this is about the courage and conviction of their votes. Paul Moreno has a parliamentary inquiry, but first Williams had to scan the room looking for him because he couldn’t find him at the back mic. Because Moreno’s in a wheelchair. Williams is a doofus.
Scott Hochberg’s asking Hartnett what a double-pledger is. Duh. It’s someone who takes a chip, dips it, takes a bite, and then dips it again. Disgusting. I think the double pledgers should be exposed.
3:22PM. Jim Jackson wants to know if Hartnett thinks that the integrity of the House is at stake. I want to know who Jim Jackson is.
Geren says his amendment protects the members and the Speaker, as well as the downtown bird community. Phil King of The Simpsons is raising a point of order on the amendment.
3:33PM. The House is standing at ease while the point of order is being researched. Supposedly 15 to 20 minutes. Which means, maybe by Saturday. Especially if, God forbid, they have to MAKE COPIES.
4:16PM. That’s a long 20 minutes.
4:30PM. And, we’re back. Until I can’t take any more of this. Which could be in the next five minutes. Point of order overruled. But now Fred Hill has a parliamentary inquiry. Roger Williams is in WAY over his head.
YOU GUYS FORGOT TO TURN OFF THE MIC. So now we’re just listening to a bunch of yokels off mic discussing a record vote.
4:38PM. This just in from Lawrence: “Geren amendment to have a secret ballot the results of which are posted after committee assignments is likely to proceed. Pitts appears to have big advantage.”
Sylvester Turner’s looking worried. Geren’s reminding the members that the amendment to the amendment is not a secret ballot, just something that won’t be public right away. Talton’s backing him up.
Hartnett, meanwhile, is reminding members that he’s a whiny little crybaby. He moves to table. Eiland’s closing by telling members this is all about committee assignments, half of which are appointed by the Speaker, and that the votes should be kept confidential until committees are named.
4:49PM. Doc Anderson is saying something about courage and the Alamo. I just want to write a post about him so I can call it ‘What’s Up Doc?’
Eiland just said that he wouldn’t belittle The Alamo by comparing it to the Speaker’s election, to much hollering in the gallery. The Secretary of State says he’ll clear the gallery if people can’t behave themselves. Like anyone’s still listening to Williams. Go make some copies.
4:52PM. Members are voting on Motion to Table. Motion to table prevails. Now they’re voting on adoption of Hartnett amendment. 96 ayes, 51 nays. Amendment’s adopted. Can someone please tell me what all this means?
Tommy Merritt’s talking about Genesis and the rainbow flag. Somebody stop him before it gets any worse.
5:07PM. Merritt’s amendment for a confidential vote is tabled. I think I may be the only one still watching. HR 35 is adopted by a landslide.
The trackback URL is here.
What are they serving on E2?
Well see now? That worked out nicely. All the wifi you can use, without the troopers staring at you for clicking away.
I’d forgotten how annoying that damn bell (little b) is.
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
Re: 1. JUICE
Large portions of humiliation for non-credentialed floozies.
Just tell them you’re with Andy Brown’s office.
For those of us whose computers are too technologically advanced to access the House live feed…. PLEASE don’t stop updating! Am hitting refresh madly.
Sitting in my jammies working at home watching the house on cable.
If anyone could bring me a sandwich, that would be great.
After hearing the invocation, I guess God wants the poor and indigent to have less help, for people to have less access to education and healthcare, and for the rich to receive tax breaks.
Lovely rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, don’t you think?
I was thinking his accent was decent. But what does this honky know.
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
Re: 11. Don’t Mess w/ Pink
Are Latino members going to be able to vote?
I’d swear I heard one of the reps say “President” instead…
Followed by giggling, of course…
Re: 12. Pink Lady
Not unless they’ve pledged to support the fence and agree to donate their labor at below minimum wage. And powerwash Craddick’s house.
http://www.pinkdome.com
Oh, Eileen, you best find a power outlet! It’s gonna get exciting soon. Um, hopefully it will get exciting soon.
Low battery? There are plugs in the back of every committee room.
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
Re: 17. Don’t Mess w/ Pink
That would require me to get off my ass.
Re: 18. Pink Lady
Blank stare …
Okay, I’m admitting my bias here, but I’m watching Sen. Boogey nominate Sen. Gallegos as President Pro Tem. Talking about how Sen. Gallegos is such a family man! Must be hard to do with a straight face.
Jeremy is reporting on his blog that this thing is over. Craddick has pledge cards from one million new House members.
Hitting refresh from D.C. Thanks for liveblogging!
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
Re: 21. The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton
Plus the entire bird population.
PInk Lady -
Can you tell who else has gathered up there? This computer screen has sucky resolution (not always a bad thing, but in this case…).
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
Re: 23. Margaritaville
Great minds think alike.
Standing at ease my ass.
http://muse-musings.blogspot.com
I have the House, but it’s not working. The minutes tick by, but the video is frozen.
So, it’s all up to you PL.
http://www.myspace.com/crackerwhoscratches
just tried to get into the house chamber but was told ‘no one with a taliban-esque beard allowed today sir. . . .I did see lots of corrupt looking white men with suits walking around, and a mariachi band about to get on the elevator. . .
Re: 30. Margaritaville
I guess the “…just not in Albuquerque” part was sotto voce?
Re: 30. Margaritaville
“…and it would have driven me to drinking.” No shit.
Re: 12:38PM: They’re standing at ease. And asking people to leave. Worst. Party. Ever.
It would be unseemly to get blood and saliva on the chilren and g’parents
Kinky for speaker
Re: 34. Jeremy
Would that be Rep. Kinky from 12.43%?
If Merritt ditches he is dead meat. Craddick already hates his guts, so he has nothing to lose here going for Pitts.
Simply riveting.
Can someone call me and wake me up from my nap when something interesting happens?
http://www.theredstate.com
Eileen, MAKE THEM DO SOMETHING!
I heart Charlie Geren.
Poor Roger Williams — they promised him he just had to look slick, be part of the “good hair” club, keep raising that money for R’s. Can make it through today without melting down?
HR 33 means absolutely nothing……
That was only a vote on how to nominate candidates for Speaker, not on whether the vote will be secret or not. That’s still to come.
http://www.theredstate.com
I love how Denise Davis is really calling the shots. Maybe she should preside….
Re: 41. Margaritaville
They would let him read all the bills, but he would miss all of mis middle school classes.
I didn’t know they let 13 yr olds read bills.
Re: 41. Margaritaville
Yes, he is good. They would let him read all the bills, but he would miss all of his middle school classes. I didn’t know they let 13 yr olds read bills.
http://www.capitolannex.com
I’m liveblogging, too. But I’ve got sandwiches. TWO!
Did you get the email I just sent you?
Let’s see if we can drag this thing out……until Happy Hour!
HR33 sets out the “rules” for nominating and seconding only. The way the speaker is to be elected (public/private votes) is still to be decided (I think HR31 and HR32 relate to this).
Co-workers have twice popped into my cube to request that I try to hold the laughter down. It’s getting harder to pretend I’m working on the People’s Business.
Re: 50. DCat the Bureaucrat
This IS the people’s business. And it’s historic. You just keep watching.
http://www.capitolannex.com
I wonder if Roger Williams conducted his sales meetings at the ol’ dealership like he conducts the business of the House?
They are PASSING OUT PAPERS!!! With all the technology at the state’s disposal, they can’t email everyone a pdf to look at on their laptop?
http://www.pinkdome.com
OMG SO BORING.
Like watching paint dry……..
During this boring interllude I think it would be appropriate for someone to post something about Longhorn football, Astros baseball, sexy teachers, or 80s metal.
http://www.capitolannex.com
Re: 49. James
and HR 1
Does everyone have……boredom?
Does the phrase “pre-planning” mean anything to anyone?
Re: 55. JUICE
Exodus was never the same after getting rid of Paul Baloff.
You’ve got to be kidding me Warren!
These guys are always bitching about teachers, yet they can’t even copy and hand out 150 pieces of paper in a timely fashion. Assuming she/he had access to a working copier, a good public school teacher would have been done in 5 minutes.
Since when do Texas public school teachers have the resources they need to do their jobs in a timely fashion?
Also, why is a 16-year-old serving as clerk? Is Craddick’s reign of terror going to involve child labor?
Wake up, Eileen!! Has Lefty found you?
“No man is an Eiland.”
Re: 63. anon
“I am a rock, I am an Eiland.”
“I am Iraq, I am an Eiland.”
Re: 65. Don’t Mess w/ Pink
She got grackled.
Re: 65. Don’t Mess w/ Pink
Blast ! Had to come all the way back home to find out she was at the Valinda Bolton room not in the regular overflow rooms with the rest of the unwashed masses. on the bright side, I’m making a sandwich and watching the same TV feed from my couch as I was in the extension.
/Laurence Collins is lurking around their as well.
What happened to the blogging?!? Nothing for the last 40 minutes.
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
Re: 71. Red
Site outage. And need for a sandwich.
Who knew voting for a speaker could be so complex and prolonging agony. Break up with her already…….
Finally, someone throws the TX Constitution in the ring.
anybody else thinking the reason this is taking so long is that Craddick isn’t confident in his numbers and there are “conversations” going on?
i mean, really, they weren’t more prepared than this?
Did you miss anything?
Uh, no.
Those hippies at BOR are killing you PL.
http://www.pinkdome.com
SENFRONIA!
No question this is a stall for arm-twisting. Otherwise, it’d be all over already.
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
Someone get off so I can get on.
Senfronia just thought it was going to take that long anyway. You go girl.
http://www.pinkdome.com
Re: 77. AMLO
I can’t get BOR to come up - it sez their front page is empty.
I’m blogging over at BOR, but I just wanted to step in and say I am NOT a hippie!!! :) I have more polo style shirts than pretty much everyone on earth… I am pretty much a prep if one must label… I hate Urban Outfitters and love Brooks Brothers/Banana Republic/etc…
Re: 81. bluebonnet
That happened to me briefly. I just closed the window and went to the site again. It was quicker than trying to get the livestream to work.
It’s annoying the Texas Government can’t get the same technology the San Marcos City Council has to work. On the other hand, it’s probably saving a bunch of people from having to come to terms with what the house floor is really like.
Re: 82. David O.
But do you wear gimme caps?
In their defense I hardly think THAT many people are watching/care about San Marcos city politics… Pretty much every lobbyist/consultant too lazy to go to the capital is attempting to get on that stream. :)
lol, what, precisely, is a gimme cap? If it goes on the head, I do not… I don’t want to go balder any faster than neccessary.
All the “parliamentary posturing” IS the battle for Speaker…that is why its taking so long.
Re: 81. bluebonnet
Ned Lamont highjacked it and shut it down.
none of these options are a secret ballot.
what i’m trying to figure out is which side wants a truly secret ballot? seems like that’s what King (ergo Craddick) is after.
http://www.pinkdome.com
Hartnett reads Burka’s blog. ooooooooooooooh.
he did not just give a shout out to Burka.
http://www.pinkdome.com
well, I know he won’t admit to Pinkdome!
http://www.theredstate.com
Did Hartnett just use Burka and this “blog” as a reason to support him?
Re: 82. David O.
I think the hippie doth protesteth too much.
LOL, I went to Baylor… by definition I cannot be a hippie! :) I drink bud light and love college football! :)
Has the word “blog” been used on the floor before? Is Burka pretty much a God?
Re: 86. David O.
It doesn’t matter. I was just hoping to keep this lively fashion discussion going until the actual vote takes place on Thursday.
Parliamentary Inquiry……
Can we let Senfronia kick everyone’s *ss?
Have they dispatched a janitor to clean up under Patrick Rose’s chair? All this tension must have the poor little guy shaking.
Is anyone paying attention to what’s going on in the capital?
Yes, Hartnett quoted Burka.
Unbelievable!
Talton giving Hartnett a hard time about protecting members just makes me feel like this is so … TWILIGHT ZONE.
Conveniently Hartnett’s mic died…..like these conversations.
Tell me more about this “back door” live feed, please…
http://www.pinkdome.com
multiple hoopla!
Did the anti_Craddick folks just get snookered on the unanimous adoption of temporary rules????
Smooth move by King…..again the Constitutions big guns are exposed.
I see your double hoopla and raise you a hoopla… I propose we release one name a day throughout the rest of the session… :)
The point of order is absolutely no good. Section 41 of art. 3 of the Constitution authorizes secret ballots for the election of officers.
Re: 102. David O.
Oh, I like that idea very much. Someone phone down to Geren! An amendment to the amendment of the amendment.
Yeah, but what if the temporary rules don’t?
“I want to know who Jim Jackson is.”
Brrrilliant.
I think the constitution would control over temporary rules.
Sign that the Apocalypse is upon us:
I’m on the same side of an issue as Bob Talton.
Next on ITPT: live blogging and commentary on sausage making. Grackle, jalepeno, and cheese…yummy.
We’re over 100 posts with just 2 posts about Kinky. Good show, commenters and host.
If the Consitution merely permits and the temporary rules forbit…I mean, I guess you could amend the temporary rules then vote on the measure.
How about a little update now and then on what they’re doing.in the House. The server streams are all taken, so the rest of us cannot log on to watch it live.
Thanks
Can’t we all just get along?
http://www.whiterose.org/michael/blog
Senfronia (in her vintage style) just went to the back mic to fu*ck with the Secretary of State by asking if he’d entertain a motion to postpone til Thursday.
Hey, there’s a strategy. There’s only 140 days. Maybe they can ride the whole thing out without electing a speaker at all.
I really wish they’d go with my plan: 2 days every 140 years.
Re: 95. The Penguins Are Psychotic
Kick everyone’s what?
do you mean A*ss?
/point of order will be overruled. I just don’t see how it can stand.
http://www.theredstate.com
Seats open in the gallery. GO!
You could amend the temorary rules, or interpret them not to apply to the single issue of elections covered by section 41 or determine them to be in violation of section 41 and therefore inapplicable to elcetions under that section.
You could amend the temorary rules, or interpret them not to apply to the single issue of elections covered by section 41 or determine them to be in violation of section 41 and therefore inapplicable to elections under that section.
Of course, if you were, say, inclined to uphold the Point….
Now’s the time to log onto the live feed. I have it up!
Sen. Patrick just got spanked 30-1 on the 2/3 rule vote.
Rules? What rules?
Re: 113. Harlot
They’re just out to get him.
http://muse-musings.blogspot.com
Re: 112. Perry’s Mollycoddler
Well, I can’t get on the live feedl
Don’t reply but….have you ever watched a snail climb a window? Sorry, I just couldn’t resist…
I hear the delay is so Craddick can pack his stuff before the victorious peasents throw it out the windows.
Re: 109. Eddie R.
Not only are there seats open, it in fact looks completely deserted!
Re: 108. Qwerty
With all due respect to Denise Davis (I mean that — she’s a very good lawyer and parlimentarian), you are naive if you actually think the law and stare decisis really mean that much to a determination by the Chair. I offer Speaker Craddick as an example.
Re: 113. Harlot
Beautiful. Welcome to the Senate, Mr. Patrick.
Re: 118. poindexter
I heard that the power supply to the entire Capitol is threatened by all the paper shreaders working at full tilt in the Speaker’s wing.
Re: 116. muse
The revolution will not be televised (at least not on enough feeds for all to see).
They are being called back at 4:10pm
not naive. just dumb. i have no idea what you just said.
Pink lady’s IT dept should have been working overtime to keep her equipment up to speed so she could fully cover this event.
Poor clerk ain’t learned his Latin.
http://www.pinkdome.com
I’m guessing this clerk doesn’t listen to the band Viva Voce.
http://www.google.com/musica?aid=QOsRme_wdgB&sa=X&oi=music&ct=result
Isn’t it past the reading clerks bed time?
http://www.pinkdome.com
this boy can’t talk at all.
http://www.pinkdome.com
vo-chay! vo-chay! OMG!
Re: 131. bluebonnet
Old House tradition, the reading clerks are supposed to be such poor public speakers that the Speaker sounds articulate by comparision. Should have heard Gibs reading Clerks.
http://www.pinkdome.com
Re: 132. poindexter
ah, that makes sense.
Re: 130. bluebonnet
COULD THEY HAVE NOT JUST SAID OVERRULED!!
Re: 134. Don’t Mess w/ Pink
No. That would have been way too simple and made too much sense.
So Craddick has trotted out Ned Flanders and Mr. Burns, who is next?
It’s quite simple….if the amendment passes, there should be a secret ballot. The three-member record vote request should not supersede a majority vote.
Fred, Fred, Fred.
http://www.theredstate.com
The parlamentarian before Davis once called Craddick “a great mumbler.” Maybe that is why he left…
Hartnett realizes that this is the age of the Internet. duh.
Re: 136. poindexter
someone just pointed out that Hartnett in manner as well as looks resembles Smithers.
Theeerrrre’s Eiland.
God, doesn’t Eiland have some used cars to sell?
http://www.pinkdome.com
I’m so glad he’s here to spell things out for me. Because after four hours, I hadn’t figured that all out yet.
I take that back…Eiland is tearing Doc Waco up!
amendment to the amendment tabled. DOH
http://www.politicalhottubparty.blogspot.com
Re: 132. poindexter
Kevin Cooper was an excellent public speaker when he was reading clerk under Gib
He also did impressions.
I think I heard the shredders in the speaker office just stop.
Yep
What years did he work as reading clerk? I didn’t show up until 1987?
Sufferin’ sucatash, go Merrit.
Well I think craddick has it.
Craddick continues as speaker…its basically a done deal.
http://boboland-cronicas.us
is Norma really perchejd on Craddik’s lap?
Re: 148. UT_GUY
unless they were just waiting for merritt’s amendment.
these votes are insane. The votes on voting pretty much tells how you are going to vote later so how does it protect anyone?
That’s true Qwerty…maybe they ONLY want a totally private vote.
potential title for next post: a confederacy of dunces?
You go, Tommy.
Wow, actually some moving oratory.
who lost a family member? another rep other than Brown?
Not looking good for Pitts, I would think.
http://www.politicalhottubparty.blogspot.com
Re: 150. poindexter
Pretty sure he was the reading clerk in ‘87 and ‘89. Real friendly guy. His wife, Paige, worked for Kuempel.
Smith
It’s over.
At this point….wouldn’t you agree the writing is on the wall…does Craddick retain?
All these recent votes mean that Craddick’s people have it, right?
Re: 161. A Nony Moose
Wayne Smith, that is.
That’s my interpretation.
I’m going home now.
Re: 165. A Nony Moose
Smith lost a family member? Who?
Mother
http://www.politicalhottubparty.blogspot.com
Wayne Smith’s wife, Brenda, is a total babe. And smart as a whip.
There might be a few brave souls out there who want to “force” the other reps to be brave souls, too. I’d like to know before committee assignments were handed out… esp. if it meant I would be showered with rewards. (aka stellar committee assignments)
Too sad.
Pitts is out. He’s saying it’s time to heal.
He wants to protect the members and if they can’t do a secret ballot, he’s out. He’s getting a standing ovation.
Let’s hold hands.
Looks like Billy Clyde was right all along.
Hey Pinklady - at the risk of making your head even larger than it already could be– great job on the blog as a live report as only you can do it! I just truly enjoy your take on the whole ridiculous mess that is the Texas House. luvyameanit!
Yes, thank you. It was hysterical!
Re: 181. Anonymous
Frack. Ain’t that the sad truth?
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
Re: 182. pappy
I’m blushing. And it’s not just the rosacea.
Re: 152. NOITALL
Howdy, I didn’t get here till 1991! I was reading clerk during the 72nd Lege.
Watched the whole thing from the gallery with my 7 year old son. The people on the floor may have been afraid to vote, but the people in the gallery made their choices clear. After Pitts’ little consolation speech two-thirds of the crowd gave him a standing-O. The other third of us just sat and said “Nay, Nay”. My seven year old thinks the whole thing was rigged and Pitts was a plant. Apparently cynicism is genetic.
http://dallasprogress.blogspot.com
I guess we were in different rooms. I was on E1 across from the cafe.
The wife and I gave up on gallery seating early in the game.
Saw Royce West, chatted a bit, looked at the line upstairs and then went to a viewing room and was immediately repulsed by jerks like Will Hartnett plus the dems that sold out their districts to keep cushy chairmanships.
I’m done. Glad to be back in Dallas.
http://dallasprogress.blogspot.com
Re: 188. Michael Davis-Dallas Progress
Re: 187
Your boy has a very, very bright future ahead of him.
For starters, the fact he’s seven and in the gallery watching Texas history in the making is the coolest thing I’ve ever heard.
And he demonstates a proclivity for keen analysis.
I heart Richard Raymond. On the short list of folks with backbone yesterday, he’ s the tops.
Re: 187
Looks like The Chronicle noticed your son in the House gallery. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/4459591.html
Re: 187. SAT D
How does your son feel about older women? My 11 year old daughter thought this was about the coolest thing she’d heard in awhile. I can’t wait to share the Chron article with her.
http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2007_01.php#003403
The 80th Legislative Session had begun…
There was a glimmer of hope yesterday that we’d have a new Speaker of the House, but I guess the pressure was too great and we’re stuck with Craddick for another session. The Pink Lady was a hoot live blogging……
Re: 192
Kudos to Lisa Falkenberg for getting the quotes and the context right.
I have finally found a blog that speaks to my “guilty pleasure,” which is keeping up with the lege and seeing if perhaps, just perhaps, I will see a true leader, strong of heart, keen of mind, and incorruptible emerge and expose and dispose of each greedy, self-serving, egotistical, petty, vindictive, racist, sexist legislator until only the good and true remain standing. Sigh. My dream remains unfulfilled. Bless you for caring enough to cover the lege doings.
http://www.inthepinktexas.com/2007/05/14/show-the-speaker-voting-bye/
[…] BurkaBlog has all the dirt on the Speaker’s race and Tom Craddick’s potential swan dive into the abyss of the Capitol extension known as “payback is a bitch.” And I thought the Speaker’s race was over back in January. This is what I get for refusing to step foot in the Capitol. (It frightens me.) Apparently Craddick is facing some type of peasant uprising. This could be the beginning of a very bad break-up… Craddick: When the members and I started seeing each other, we wanted exactly the same thing. We wanted to legislate together, but we didn’t want to see each other outside the Capitol because every time anyone we knew socialized outside of the Capitol, it ruined their relationship. They practically never passed bills again. It’s true, it’s one of the secrets that no one ever tells you. I would sit around with David Dewhurst and he would complain about how he and the Senators could never do it anymore. […]