EDINBURG, December 29 - State Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, released a letter Monday morning containing the signatures of 64 Democrats in the Texas House who say they will not vote for House Speaker Tom Craddick “under any circumstances.”
Ten Democrats, known as “Craddick Ds”, have not signed the letter.
“Today, the fact that there will be a new Speaker for the 81st Texas House of Representatives is established, there being at least 76 House members publicly committed to change,” said Dunnam, chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House.
There are thought to be at least 12 GOP members in the House who want a Republican other than Craddick to preside over the House in the 81st Legislature that starts Jan. 13, 2009. A speaker is elected by the House members at the start of each session. With 150 members, a successful speaker candidate needs at least 76 votes.
Add the 64 Democrats to the 12 Republicans, many of whom have said they want to be speaker, and it appears there is a majority opposed to Craddick, R-Midland. However, Capitol watchers believe some Democrats may have also pledged privately for Craddick. In other words, they may have double pledged. In which case, Craddick may have enough support, from a dozen or so Democrats plus a large majority of Republicans, to ensure he continues speaker for a fourth session.
Reps. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville, Eddie Lucio, D-San Benito, Armando “Mando” Martinez, D-Weslaco, Veronica Gonzales, D-McAllen, and Rep.-elect Rios Ybarra are among the 64 Democrats to have signed the pledge list that opposes Craddick.
Reps. Kino Flores, D-Palmview, Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, and Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, have not signed the Democrats’ list. All three hold leadership positions under Craddick. Flores chairs the Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee. Guillen is vice chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee. Peña is chair of the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. The three may not retain their leadership positions under another speaker.
The political make-up of the House in the 81st Legislature will be 76 Republicans and 74 Democrats
What is the difference between what the governor of Illinois is doing. Compared to what Aaron Pena is doing. I believe they call it pay to play up in Chicago. Isn't Aaron paying by voting for Craddick and in return receives some outrageous donations. It's the same thing!
Tx has it's own Rob Blagojevich and his name is Republican "money bags"Aaron Pena. Which means lots of money for Aaron and not a damn thing for our dist. But Aaron would be to differ. Remember, he's a compulsive liar. But I guess that's politics. Lie to taxpayers! Say whatever to get elected!
