Speaker's Race
The Republican Caucus vote to select a House Speaker nominee is TODAY! In recent weeks Rep. David Cook has consolidated support not only from reform-minded members, who came together to endorse him several weeks ago, but from members thought to be closer to Dade Phelan. With this in mind, the vote is looking very good for Cook, and we will know before today is over who will be the Republican nominee.
Yesterday, Phelan dropped out and was replaced with Dustin Burrows. He is a Phelan loyalist and would be no different than Phelan himself.
Even if Rep. Cook wins the nomination, we can't let up pressure on our representatives until Cook is officially elected as the Texas House speaker. Here's why.
It is possible that a few Phelan/Burrows loyalists could choose to vote for him during the official Speaker vote even with Cook as the Republican nominee; if Burrows can guarantee that a few loyalists plus the Democrats vote for him, he could still snatch the speakership from Cook. It's true that any reps who do this could face backlash in the primaries, but the damage would be done for at least the next two years, and Republican priorities would be killed for another legislative cycle.
Here's another concern that not many people are talking about, which could potentially keep Rep. Cook from becoming Speaker, even if he wins the Republican nomination. Remember the recent US Senate Majority leader vote? It was a secret ballot. It is possible that, unless our representatives are proactive, Phelan/Burrows could force the Speaker vote to be a secret ballot.
If Burrows gets a secret ballot for the Speaker vote, Republicans could cross over and vote for him without any repercussions from constituents. You might object and say that it is customary in the Texas House for this vote to be public, and you would be right - for recent sessions. It's still possible for the House to choose a secret ballot. It was customary until the 43rd session for the Speaker's race to be a secret ballot, and an attempt to bring that back was made in the 72nd. Phelan, Burrows, and their allies could try the same thing again, and our reps must do everything they can to prevent this.
Presuming Rep. Cook wins the Caucus nomination today, you MUST keep the pressure on your representative to support him during the floor vote on the first day of session, and make sure they know you want a Record Vote.
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