The late state Sen. Teel Bivins of Amarillo used to say that redistricting every decade was a time when “Republicans eat their young.”
It appears that the GOP cannibalism occurs every more frequently these days, such as every two years when the Legislature gets ready to convene. The 2013 session is set to begin in less than a month and Republicans are seeing another challenge to House Speaker Joe Straus’ leadership. Straus, R-San Antonio, is facing a challenge from state Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, who says the time for “go-along to get-along” leadership must come to an end.
Seems that Simpson doesn’t like Straus’ habit of cooperating with legislative Democrats to get things done for the state. Straus isn’t conservative enough for many members of his Republican caucus and once again they intend to show their distaste for Straus’ leadership by trotting out another challenger to his speakership.
Can they be serious? Apparently they’re as serious as the proverbial heart attack.
Republicans have seen their power increase for the past two-plus decades. Democrats cannot break the GOP vise-grip on statewide offices. The GOP has a near-supermajority in the state House of Reps, as well as a significant majority in the state Senate, which thankfully still is governed by the two-thirds rule that requires bipartisan support if bills are going to be put to a vote.
The House continues to be a more fractious body. Nothing wrong with legislators airing their differences. But what strikes me as weird is how the speaker – who’s supposed to lead the entire House, not just the segment of the body made up of folks from his own party – keeps getting these challenges from the hard-core wing of his caucus.
Texas is a wildly diverse state and its Legislature comprises individuals who represent that diversity. Whether it’s lieutenant governor (who runs the Senate) or the House speaker, the leaders of both legislative chambers – be they Republican or Democrat – need colleagues from both parties on board if they intend to help rank-and-file Texans.
Here’s hoping Joe Straus keeps his job.