Speaker politics: What to make of this?
After siding with the challengers who failed to take down Speaker Tom Craddick in January, Rep. Robert Talton has spent an entire session sniping at the speaker's supporters from the sidelines, gunning down their bills at every opportunity. (Read Karen Brooks' fine story from last month on Mr. Talton here.)
But now, Mr. Talton says he won't vote to oust Mr. Craddick from the dais if the opportunity arises. See his statement on the jump:
Sayeth Rep. Talton:
At this time, I intend to vote present not voting if a motion to vacate is made. I believe that much of what is being done to date is motivated out of self-interest or hatred, neither of which is good for the House. I encourage other Republicans to join me in this vote.As you know, the Speaker and I have had serious disagreements and I continue to believe that a change must be made. Therefore, if the motion is made and it prevails, I will urge the Speaker to step aside and spare the House further damage and allow some other Republican nominee with significant leadership experience to be nominated and bring the various factions of the House together.
If the whip count is currently as close as everyone thinks it is, this could be a big blow to the insurgency.
Comments
Talton is smart enough to understand that the "insurgency" is now being driven by a certain Fort Worth-based political consultant whose clients have a long track record of hostility to the conservative wing of the GOP. Talton's problems are with Craddick himself, and I don't doubt that he would return to the current leadership team if someone other than Craddick were the candidate.
Posted by: Dave | May 25, 2007 8:57 AM