Points Of Personal Privilege: Attacking Craddick
Vince Leibowitz | May 21, 2007 | Comments 2
Craddick is back in the Chair.
Rep. Cook has been recognized for a point of personal privilege. Here comes tonight’s onslaught.
COOK: “Over the past week’s time, I’ve expressed privately and publicly to Speaker Craddick that it’s time for a new speaker of the Texas House….The reality of this is that I’ve got to go through with this.”
Now he’s promoting a three-term speaker limit.
COOK: “I’m a Republican who has supported Speaker Craddick three times, but I cannot and will not support him again…I’ve been threatened…and I’ve been told as recently as Saturday and am told they are recruiting an opponent to run against me…so be it.”
“I will not yield to tyranny, bullying, or threats. This body will not realize its potential as long as [this] is to be tolerated.”
“The budget is being stopped…and exploited for political gain.”
(We’re liveblogging…keep refreshing…)
“I regretfully tell you that your actions may force this House to take an historic action…I beg of you to step down.”
“Please don’t put this body through 18 months of Hell.”
“Release us and submit to the will of the House.”
“This is a battle worth fighting. For me, it may mean my political career, but it’s worth it.”
And, now, back to laying out bills. Craddick remains in the Chair. The House appears eerily silent….deadly silent…damn….
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I can imagine the scene in Craddick’s apartment – Abe Lincoln and a beaver are sitting at the table saying “We’ve missed you”.
As hard as it is for me to say this about anyone who ever supported Tom Craddick, tonight the entire state owes Byron Cook a debt of gratitude. No matter the eventual outcome, he was the one who stepped up.