Pinch hitting as the rules expert
Craddick ally Will Hartnett, R-Dallas, said he understands that former Rep. Terry Keel, R-Austin, will stand in for Denise Davis as acting House parliamentarian when the House reconvenes tonight.
Asked about reports that the speaker will also use as a parliamentarian tonight former Rep. Ron Wilson, a Craddick D who was whipped in Houston Democratic primary in 2004, Mr. Hartnett said: "He may play a role, I don't know."
Craddick spokesman Chris Cutrone, who overheard the interview with Mr. Hartnett, quickly said of the reports about Mr. Keel or Mr. Wilson serving as stand-ins for Ms. Davis: "That's not confirmed. We just don't know for sure."
Comments
well, if no one is following the parliamentarian's advice, why do we need one?
Posted by: txasslm | May 25, 2007 10:23 PM
The parliamentarian can help the Speaker get things done (or not get things done, as the Speaker wishes), but only up to a point. Craddick apparently stepped over that line tonight and his Parliamentarian wouldn't cross the line with him.
Posted by: Ed Cognoski | May 25, 2007 10:29 PM
Keel wrote the house rules and he's a recent former member. Craddick will listen to him like he normally listed to Denise and the members will trust him.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 25, 2007 10:33 PM
Is it a conflict of interest if the new House parliamentarian is employed as an attorney for a current state representative who recently received a DUI?
Posted by: Joe | May 25, 2007 10:34 PM
Keel and Wilson on the dais as Craddick's rules advisors? IT IS ON.
Posted by: Dave | May 25, 2007 10:39 PM
Joe, honestly, it's no different than the previous parliamentarian. Rose passed a bill just on how great Denise's husband Ian Hancock is. And Denise keeps TTLA's lege rep close at hand during social functions. I don't think Keel is any worse. "Conflict of interest" is probably just how you choose to look at it. Don't know if Denise and Wilson will be funkin' it together anymore, though.
Posted by: Albert Marbridge | May 28, 2007 1:44 PM