By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-812697.mp3
Austin, TX – After three stormy terms as Speaker of the Texas House, Republican Tom Craddick dropped his bid for a fourth term last night. KERA's Shelley Kofler reports Craddick was forced out by a coalition of Republicans and Democrats in the House.
After a three-hour meeting with supporters at an Austin Steak House, Republican Speaker Tom Craddick slipped past waiting reporters. Dallas Representative Will Harnett, a close Craddick ally, confirmed the rumor.
Harnett: I've talked to the Speaker. He's dropped his candidacy and released his pledges. I think some of Craddick D's left his team and he just decided it was getting too tight.
The dethroning of Craddick, the longest serving Republican at the Capitol, follows bitter partisan clashes that short circuited important legislation. At one point Democrats shut down business by fleeing the state and hiding in Oklahoma. Members in Craddick's own party claim the Midland representative ruled with an iron fist, ostracized representatives if they disagreed with him and sidelined their legislation.
The beginning of the end for Craddick came Friday. Eleven key House Republicans announced plans to support San Antonio Representative and insurance executive Joe Straus for Speaker. Fort Worth's Charlie Geren was among them.
Geren: We have got a very delicate situation this time with a 76-74 split between House Democrats and House Republicans. I think it is going to take a person with Joe's personality to make this an effective session. We don't need to be bickering the whole time.
Straus, a lifelong Republican with just four years at the legislature, spent the weekend nailing down votes. Sunday, he released the names of 72 House Democrats and 16 Republicans who are with him.
Strauss: What I hope to be able to do is to change the subject. To move away from a Speaker-centered House where every day the spotlight is on whose nose is out of joint today. Let's back up and start over again fresh with a more positive optimistic outlook.
While Straus' backing seems insurmountable, some 55 Craddick allies say they'll now support Amarillo Representative John Smithee. Some complain Straus has too little experience in the House and his family's interest in a horse track will embolden gambling interests at the Capitol.
The House elects the Speaker on January 13, the first day of the session. A candidate must have at least 76 votes, or a majority of House members.
Straus has called a press conference for Monday morning.
Outside an Austin steakhouse, some of Republican Speaker Tom Craddick's allies confirmed the rumors.