Secret speaker vote may be made permanent
Fascinating tidbit regarding the speaker vote, the timing of a secret ballot decision - and what it could mean for Craddick in 2009:
Since the House doesn't vote on the rules until Thursday - two days after the Jim Pitts/Tom Craddick race for speaker - lawmakers who met informally this week to propose some House rules didn't really talk too much about whether that speaker vote will be secret or out in the open.
But Denise Davis, the House parliamentarian hired by Craddick, says that the group, whose proposal is non-binding, did discuss maybe changing House rules permanently to require a secret ballot in the speaker's race - a rule that would affect the speaker's race in 2009, but not this one.
Common wisdom around here dictates that Pitts would win in hands-down in a secret ballot, and Craddick would win in an open vote. And that a vote on whether to have a secret ballot (which is going to be an open vote) is actually a referendum on Craddick.
That decision will be made only if someone on the House floor floats it on Tuesday and asks for a vote. If not, it's an open vote - the way it is right now.
Bearing that in mind, here's what I'm thinking:
If Craddick hangs onto his speakership on Tuesday and then full House changes the vote to a secret ballot on Thursday, he could be toast if he wants to hang onto his speakership in 2009 and he doesn't become more popular between now and then.
The second interesting thing to watch there: If he doesn't fight it or try to keep it from happening, it could indicate that he a) really does plan to change his style of leadership to become a bit more popular or b) plans on retiring after this session and couldn't care less either way it shakes out.
Just speculation at this point. Geez, is it Tuesday yet?!
Comments
Hello? Anybody out there? Beuller?
Posted by: Brooks | January 5, 2007 6:06 PM
Karen, now you really are a blogger.
Posted by: The Rep. | January 5, 2007 11:21 PM
I am surprised that Denise Davis is now sharing her considerable opinions and knowledge with the press.
Posted by: Wowza | January 6, 2007 1:23 PM
Rep - I know, there's no use fighting it anymore. I've thrown in.
Posted by: Brooks | January 6, 2007 6:14 PM
it's a brave new world out there Karen. Actually, forget that, it's a cold clammy world out there at the moment. Brrr.
Posted by: Harold | January 6, 2007 6:39 PM