HD 97: Craddick’s Key Benefactors Give Thousands To Leonard

If you needed any other evidence that former State Rep. Bob Leonard (R-Fort Worth), the presumed front-runner in the free-for-all for retired Rep. Anna Mowery’s seat is a tool of the Craddick-Perry establishment, try this one on for size:

They note that Leonard’s consultant, Bryan Eppstein, represents many of the leaders of the anti-Craddick faction (as well as some of the speaker’s supporters). Also, Fort Worth Rep. Charlie Geren, a Republican who has clashed with Craddick, spoke at Leonard’s fundraiser last week.

On the other hand, the firm of Mike Toomey and Bill Messer, perhaps the speaker’s biggest benefactors among Austin lobbyists, gave Leonard $5,000, and Toomey helped him raise money from the Capitol crowd. (Toomey and Messer, who both served in the Legislature with Leonard, did not respond to requests for comment.)

It is particularly interesting that much of the establishment is falling in line behind Leonard. Though Leonard served in the Legislature for five terms before Mowery took office, he has zero legislative accomplishments. Even his website lists none.

Leonard was a huge piece of legislative furniture during his tenure, and we don’t mean a nice Ikea coffee table, more like a well-worn Salvation Army sofa. With that kind of a reputation, the pro-Craddick forces are no doubt sure that Leonard will tow their line, and vote for their Speaker.

Democrat Dan Barrett is the only choice in the HD 97 race who voters can elect with the real confidence that their choice won’t vote for Craddick.

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