By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX –
The Master of Discovery and the Select Committee on Election Contests were reappointed today by House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) to continue deliberations of the two remaining election contests in the House.
Those contests were filed by Republicans Talmadge Heflin in House District 149, and Eric Opiela in House District 35. A third election challenge, filed by Republican Jack Stick in House District 50, was withdrawn last week.
Craddick described the proclamation approved in the House as "reappointing the master and the select committee that is meeting on the two remaining election contests."
Craddick reappointed Rep. Will Hartnett (R-Dallas) as the Master of Discover and named Rep. Terry Keel (R-Austin) to chair the committee, with Rep. Craig Eiland (D-Galveston) as vice chair. Other members reappointed include Rep. Mary Denny (R-Aubrey), Rep. Helen Giddings (D-Dallas), Rep. Ryan Guillen (D-Rio Grande City), Rep. Suzanna Gratia Hupp (R-Lampasas), Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford), Rep. Larry Phillips (R-Sherman) and Rep. Allan Ritter (D-Nederland).
The proclamation states that the Master will supervise discovery, take depositions and gather and report evidence. It also gives the committee all the powers and duties not inconsistent with the Texas Election Code, and states the committee should adhere to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Rules of Evidence as guidelines.
The proclamation also states that findings and other determinations should continue in effect.