Gallegos’ Liver Stands In The Way Of Voter ID Bill’s Approval

Only in Texas would the passage of legislation that would disenfranchise millions of Texans meet its match in a state senator’s liver.

That may sound strange, but it’s true. State Sen. Mario Gallegos, a true Texas hero, is back in the Senate—against the advice of his doctors—to stop House Bill 218 from becoming law. His new liver is literally what stands between HB 218 becoming law and not.

He’s a hero for being there. A hero. Every Texan owes him a debt of gratitude.

From the Chron:

Their success will depend on whether Sen. Mario Gallegos Jr., D-Houston, who has missed most of the session recuperating from a liver transplant, can make it back to work for the vote.

All 11 Senate Democrats are needed to block the bill from coming to the floor for debate, where the Republican majority will easily pass it.

“I’ll be here,” Gallegos promised Tuesday from the Senate floor, where he put in a full day against the advice of his doctor.

Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst promised to give Gallegos 24-hours notice before the bill hits the Senate floor — but only once, and that came Tuesday.

There won’t be another notification should the bill be delayed today.

Senate Democrats say that if House Bill 218 is introduced on the floor while Gallegos is in Houston undergoing medical treatment, they’ll filibuster until he can make it back to Austin.

“We’ve got 10 who can filibuster until Mario gets back. Understand that somebody is going to filibuster,” said Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio.

“I think we can talk for 24 hours,” said Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston.

So a showdown over voter identification is guaranteed.

A showdown: Bring it on. I know between the ten, they can talk for probably 48 hours straight if necessary. Even if someone has to read from a telephone book, they can do this.