AUSTIN -- Despite a messy showdown last year in the Texas Capitol, Republican Speaker Tom Craddick predicts he'll be elected to a fourth term as leader of the House.
"I think the races look good and we think we're in good shape to maintain a majority," Craddick said this week in an interview with The Associated Press.
The Midland Republican triumphed over a coup attempt at the end of last year's legislative session by asserting "absolute authority" and refusing to allow the parliamentary maneuver that would have resulted in a House vote on ousting him.
Whether or not Craddick is elected to his fourth term as speaker will depend on how many of his supporters can win their elections this year, starting with the March 4 primaries.
Several Democrats who angered their party by siding with Craddick in the contentious battle now have primary challengers using their alliance with Craddick as a campaign issue. But the Craddick establishment is hard at work trying to ensure supporters stay in office.
