The HCRP will be having their fourth quarter Executive Committee meeting tonight and some of the precinct chairs are trying to allow Ken Paxton to speak at the meeting. I received this from one of the precinct chairs pushing for a new speaker:
The HCRP will be considering Resolutions and amendments concerning the Speaker’s race. Furthermore, Ken Paxton will be in attendance and we will ask to suspend the rules to allow him a few minutes to address the EC.
Should be interesting if unproductive. I think most people understand that the negative campaign against Speaker Straus was over the top and that he earned another shot at being speaker with his performance in 2009’s divided House. It’s too bad that Rep. Paxton participated in the false attacks – if he had stayed positive and put forth a real reason that he should be Speaker, he would have come out of this fight looking like a statesman. As it is, he just looks like another Craddick crony. It’d be really cool if Speaker Straus was on hand tonight but I doubt his attackers asked for him to come. You know, one side of the story and all.
Still, this is the type of activism that the HCRP has needed for some time. It is great to see the new precinct chairs trying to make changes – even if I think they are misguided. It bodes well for the future of the party, especially if they are allowed to make their case, lose, and then have the courage to join together with Speaker Straus to help solve the real problems that Texas faces.
So I would encourage Chairman Woodfill and the rest of the precinct chairs to suspend the rules and allow Rep. Paxton to speak. Perhaps someone will stand up for Speaker Straus as well. Fight hard, then join together in battle.