By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
Dallas, TX – Rep. Dan Branch, (R) Dallas
Age: 51
Occupation: Corporate Attorney
Family: Wife - Stacey / Five children ages 14 to 22
Education: Oklahoma Christian University, SMU School of Law, Georgetown Institute on Comparative Political & Economic Systems.
Public Office: Texas House of Representatives, 2002-present: Chairman, House Higher Education Committee
2009 Legislative Priorities: Plan for new tier one, research universities in Texas. UT-Dallas and UT-Arlington could qualify; University of North Texas Law School in Dallas; Reform top 10% rule for university admissions.
Political Future: Branch: "We're looking at the attorney general slot if Gregg Abbott chooses not to seek reelection. I've talked to a lot of key individuals around the state and got a lot of their contingent support if that happens."
Dallas State Representative Dan Branch's success this legislative session may be judged on higher education bills: his plan to create more elite, tier one research universities; a new University of North Texas law school in Dallas; and a scaling back of the rule that requires Texas universities to accept the top 10-percent of high school graduates.
On the day after House Speaker Joe Strauss handed out committee assignments, the studious Dan Branch seemed unusually lively. Strauss had picked the 51-year old Dallas Republican to chair the House higher education committee. An influential assignment that allows Branch to position important North Texas legislation for approval.
Branch: Higher ed is what I've asked the speaker for and gratified that he would allow me to have that position. Particularly this year when there is so much interest in improving higher education. I'm carrying the tier one university bill. I think Texas needs more flagship universities. I'm also carrying the top ten percent reform bill. Locally I'm authoring the UNT law school bill.
In his fourth term at the state House, Branch's experience has made him a player of sorts. His tenure on the appropriations committee taught him how to move money within the state budget. He's tackled the complex world of public school financing and led a key group that studied school funding reforms. He was an ally of former House Speaker Tom Craddick. But as controversy closed in around Craddick, Branch deftly shifted his support to the man who would unseat Craddick. When asked if he's part of new Speaker Joe Strauss' inner circle, Branch describes a personal closeness. Both grew up in San Antonio where their families are friends.
Branch: He's a dental patient of my brother the dentist in San Antonio. My mother walked blocks and blocks for him when he first ran for the legislature so it's a good family relationship.
State representative is Branch's first elected office, but he's been involved in Republican politics for more than two decades. He served as an aide to U.S Senator John Tower of Dallas and as a county chair for George W. Bush's gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. In his early thirties Branch ran unsuccessfully for the Congressional seat now held by Sam Johnson.
Branch splits his time between the state capitol, his law office, numerous organizations and his family- wife Stacey and five children. His youngest son plays high school lacrosse.
Branch: I try to get back for many of the games I'm selfish I enjoy it and want to watch him. I have a more acute sense that this time is fleeting. So I try to make big family moments. I've missed a few and regretted them.
Other legislators and capitol insiders describe Branch as smart, politically savvy and ambitious. He admits he's considering higher office.
Branch: We're looking at the attorney general slot if Gregg Abbott chooses not to seek reelection. I've talked to a lot of key individuals around the state and got a lot of their contingent support if that happens.
Between now and then, however, Branch is trying to place his stamp on higher education.