Texas House Divided

Currently, members of the Texas House of Representatives are battling over who will be the next Speaker of the House. Texas is a Red State meaning it is governed predominately by Republicans. There is no doubt the people of Texas want a more conservative influence in the making of laws and the enforcement thereof. Conservative values include being tough on criminals, having a hard border, and exercising more strict moral values in schools and other institutions. Most Texans that I know believe liberal policies and politics have gone too far.

Dade Phelan was the previous Speaker, but he is not running and will be replaced due to the fallout from his seeking the removal of Attorney General Ken Paxton during the last legislative session. Two are vying for the position: Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield and Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock. Cook has the support of a majority of House Republicans, having received the nomination of the House Republican Caucus. Burrows, an ally of Dade Phelan, is trying to gain support of enough Republicans and Democrats to win the position.

The people of the state, through their local Republican Party County Chairmen, are seeking a Speaker that will push the more conservative line. County GOP groups have passed local resolutions calling for Representatives to come together to back the nominee of the Republican House Caucus, David Cook.

Politics used to be considered “The Art of Compromise.” Legislators would “cross the aisle” on a regular basis to negotiate support for legislation. They would deliberately forfeit some of their own short term goals in order to get a piece of legislation passed that would help in the long run. Incremental changes were made at times due to the trading of support: “If you vote for this; I’ll vote for that.” People understood the game and felt It was a system that worked. No longer is that the case. Both parties have members that refuse to talk to each other let alone negotiate.

This legislative session will be telling.