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Chisum claims he’s misquoted
Today Rep. Warren Chisum backed off on his estimate, first reported in The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, that Speaker Tom Craddick is down to 53 votes for re-election.
“Last night, I was misquoted on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Web site as saying that Speaker Craddick had 53 votes,” Chisum said in a prepared statement. “That number is a misinterpretation of what I said, and certainly not what I intended to say. The speaker carries all the Republicans except for the ABCs, and his position remains very strong.”
Eleven Republicans who oppose Craddick’s re-election as speaker are known as the ABC’s, or Anybody But Craddicks.
As many as 79 of the 150 House members have at one time or another expressed opposition to Craddick, including 15 Republicans.
Craddick is working hard to assure his supporters that his candidacy remains viable.
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Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment Categories: Speaker's race
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By lavidjio
January 24, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this
lavidjio
By jlh
December 31, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
They may not be able to give themselves raises, but they voted themselves a nice retirement package that pays most of them more than an average teacher’s salary. It’s tied to judicial salaries.
By bob
December 31, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Misquoted by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram!!! Is that news?
By Wood Butcher
December 31, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
I wonder at what time he got his wake up call!!! Nothing like upsetting the powers that be to remind oneself of ones true place in the big picture huh. God I hate to see grown men grovel. Now let’s ask why does the Statesman think this is a news story? Playing a little king maker of their own I would guess.
By jimmy
December 31, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Jeff, boy. I was a republican until the current administration sold its soul & party to the lobbyists. The legislators may “make” $600 on paper, but surely you are not so naive as to believe the various perks, wheeling & dealing, and behind doors payoffs do not far outweigh this amount. To say nothing of the deals that favor their own interests: highways that cross their land,taxexemptions,insider investment tips, free trips, franking privileges etc. Wake up, grow up, and look up Jeff then see what the mirror really show you to be…No sane person believes these “legislators” are doing it for the good of Texas unless they can line their own pockets.
By Polo
December 31, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
I have no doubt, that in the Dick Cheney tradition of democracy, Craddick will declare all of his opponents unpatriotic and ban them from the legislature. Lack of a quorum won’t bother him because he will then remind us that he is the only opinion that counts. Besides, he makes the rules and his puppet parliamentarian will sit on the side nodding yes.
By Jeff
December 31, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, you do not know a thing about the Texas Legislature, but like all of these blowhard Demoncrats you talk smack. Here is the fact, Jack: The legislators make $600 a month, including Craddick and Dewhurst. They cannot vote themselves a raise. It is impossible. The only people who can vote them a raise is the voters of Texas. So, I figure we can put you in the “no” column. Now go have some gum.
By wo
December 31, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
You want change & less corruption. For the next three elections, only vote for people that are not currently in office (any office). If the non-incumbents win every race, we will clean house very quickly. Then pass a term limits bill for EVERY elected position in the state, as well as the appointed positions. There will still be corruption, but it may not be as bad.
By Kelso
December 31, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Wow! Who called Chisum? “YOU SAID WHAT????” - Tom Craddick
By jimmy
December 31, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
The current members of this “legislative body” are jokes. Sad, cruel, incompetent jokes. It’s time to clean house—the House. This includes the puppet Perry and all the way down to the clerks. Of course, they will vote themselves another pay raise for doing absolutely nothing but making sure they get all they can from the lobbyists. Isn’t there any politician free from corruption & petty politics? Texas has got to be getting really sick of this.
By manny
December 31, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Hmm, guess Chisum can’t count anymore??? More proof of what’s wrong with Texas Legislature, out of touch with reality and desperately trying to protect their own special interests rather than looking out for the average Texans!! Time for Change….. yes, ABC—anybody but Craddick!