By Jennifer Bendery, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX –
House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) today responded to questions about HB 2, the public education reform bill, and regarding his being subpoenaed to testify next week in a trial relating to Republicans being accused of illegally raising and spending corporate money in the 2002 elections.
When asked if Rep. Kent Grusendorf (R-Arlington), author of HB 2, is holding daily press conferences about his education reform package because he is worried he doesn't have enough support for it, Craddick replied, "I don't think the bill is in trouble." The point of the daily press conferences is "just to get a focus on different parts of the bill."
When asked what the subpoena requires of him in next week's trial, Craddick replied, "I said I'd show up. Whatever." He noted that he doesn't think he will testify. The House Speaker said he has "no idea" why he was called to testify and has given over all records that were asked of him. Craddick added that he has no reason to be careful next week. "I'm fine," he said.