Why Is Craddick Not In The Chair? Because He’s Bribing Members With Appropriations!

Noticed that Craddick hasn’t been in the chair during debate on the last couple of bills? This may be why:

State Rep. Jim Pitts, who challenged Craddick when lawmakers convened in January, said he fears that speaker politics threaten the state budget, which is being written and crafted in conference committee.

He claimed that Craddick, R-Midland, has been meeting with members one-on-one and offering them favorable treatment in the budget if they stick with his leadership.

“The budget is not finished because of the deals that are being made,” Pitts charged. “We’re going to pass the budget the last day with a lot of questions.”

Craddick could not be reached immediately for comment, but his press secretary denied the charge. “That is not happening,” said press secretary Alexis DeLee.

Pitts said lawmakers had informally agreed to set aside $3 billion to pay for school property tax cuts in the next biennium, 2009-2010, and is worried that much of it will be given away in connection with the speaker’s race.

Pitts, R-Waxahachie, confirmed that he has filed paperwork with the Texas Ethics Commission as a speaker candidate this session or during any upcoming special sessions.State Rep. Jim Keffer announced his candidacy for speaker last week, but said he would not be a candidate until the Legislature convenes next in regular session in January 2009.

So….if you are in the Lege and want a couple hundred thou for a new park, a new overpass, or whatever, give Craddick a call? Oh, and these are the Republicans who campaigned against pork-barrel politics.