[PAA-Discuss] FW: Sign the Petition to Craddick: Let the Will of the House Prevail

[zappa2004]

Sign the Petition to Craddick: Let the Will of the House Prevail
-----Original Message-----
From: TX Democratic Party [mailto:democrats at txdemocrats.org]
Sent: Sunday, May 27, 2007 12:35 AM
To: zappa2004 at earthlink.net
Subject: Sign the Petition to Craddick: Let the Will of the House Prevail


     
      Dear fellow Democrats, 



      Last night, Speaker Tom Craddick reduced the Texas House from a deliberative legislative body to his own personal dictatorship.  I was appalled by what I saw and want to make sure that you know what happened last night.  The chaotic breakdown on the floor of the Texas House is the culmination of four years of failed Republican leadership that has repeatedly turned its back on the best interests of Texans in a blind pursuit of power. 



      Here are a few news accounts that explain the bizarre series of events: 



      Dallas Morning News, May 26, 2007, House in Uproar Over Craddick 

        The historic move followed a outburst in the House hours earlier in which Mr. Craddick warned he would not entertain an effort to unseat him, refused to explain his decision, and abruptly recessed the House for 2 ½ hours. He left the chamber, flanked by his closest allies, as angry Craddick foes threw up raucous jeers and shouts. 



        One Craddick supporter screamed back at the speaker's opponents, "This is anarchy!" 



        Some Democrats approached the dais and tried to turn on microphones to record their objections, but they were stopped by the House sergeant-at-arms and his staff. And when the House returned to business two hours later, House members commenced with a dramatic grilling of Mr. Craddick that, with the House gallery packed and cheers erupting, resembled a public inquisition. 




      Sign the Petition to Craddick: Let the Will of the House Prevail 




      Houston Chronicle, May 26, 2007, Texas Legislature ignites with push to oust Craddick 

        Parliamentarian Denise Davis promptly resigned, as did Deputy Parliamentarian Chris Greisel. Craddick immediately replaced them with former state Reps. Ron Wilson, D-Houston, and Terry Keel, R-Austin. 



        Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, objected to the new parliamentarians, saying they had been lobbying members this week to stay loyal to Craddick. 




      Austin American-Statesman, May 26, 2007, Mutiny in Texas House 

        When Craddick refused to recognize [Rep. Jim] Dunnam [D] for a motion to elect a new parliamentarian, Dunnam asked, "Does anybody's voice in this chamber matter other than yours?" 



        "We're going to follow the House rules," Craddick responded. 



        "When?" Dunnam shot back. 



      The Texas House is in the final few days of the 80th Regular Session - a session where Craddick has repeatedly failed to bring bills sponsored by Democrats and certain Republicans who have opposed him to the floor and where much of the State's business has been ignored.  Speaker Craddick's abuse of power has created a crisis that threatens the legislature's ability to address the basic needs of Texas families and communities.  




      The business of the State of Texas is more important than any one person - sign the petition asking Tom Craddick to resign. 




      Even Republicans recognized that Craddick's actions last night were unacceptable: 



        Rep. Todd Smith, R-Euless, said, "It is clearly an abuse of power in an office." 



        "I knew we had a speaker," state Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, said.  "I didn't know we had a dictator." 



        Rep. Brian McCall, R-Plano, said Craddick's abrupt adjournment was a "total disregard for the body and the process." 




      Democrats and Republicans are both outraged and frustrated by the actions of a Speaker who has pursued partisan power and catered to special interests at the expense of the people of Texas.  I hope that you will join me and ask him to follow the will of Texans by signing the petition.  



      Texans deserve better. 



      Your friend and fellow Democrat, 

        

      Boyd L. Richie 



            Pol Ad Texas Democratic Party
            . 
           
     







 

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