Laney's back on the dais
Today's the Speaker's Reunion Day for former members at the House, so the chamber is lined with House members from waaaaay back in the day. Most of them are older white guys. I know you're shocked (shocked!).
Except Elizabeth Ames Jones, a Cameron Diaz twin who looks like Capitol Barbie surrounded by all those guys old enough to be her grandpa.
This bunch looks veeeeery different from the diverse mix on the floor today.
On the dais, a bunch of former speakers are in a semi-circle behind House Speaker Tom Craddick.
Pete Laney, back for the first time since retiring after last session, is up there too. And he just got a standing ovation from the members.
Also here:
Former speakers Gib Lewis (71-93) and Rayford Price (61-73).
What's so weird is seeing all these lobbyists on the floor of the House - normally, they can't do that while the House is in session - former members who hung up their $600-a-month stipend for serious bank as a member of the lobby.
I'd totally forgotten these guys used to be lawmakers. I'm so used to seeing them in a clutch outside the chamber door as I run the Gucci Gauntlet (thank you choppe) every morning. Not to mention writing about them everytime one of them buys an expensive gift for a committee chair.
It's easy to forget that at one point, The People sent them here to do the state's business.
Russ Tidwell from TTLA and Bill Hammond from TAB - mortal enemies, politically - is my favorite sighting so far.
Former Rep. Debra Danburg, D-Houston, just got up and said: "This may be the first time you've seen a pancreatic cancer survivor and I'm glad to be with you today." (Relatively accurate quote)