The Brief: Top Texas News for Dec. 4, 2012
The Big Conversation:
The race for speaker of the House may have just gotten a lot more interesting.
State Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, told the Tribune late Monday that he is considering a bid against incumbent Joe Straus, R-San Antonio.
"I have not made a decision. People have asked me to run, yes," said Simpson, one of the most conservative members of the Legislature. "I’m praying about it. And I'll do the right thing."
A bid by Simpson, who was just elected to his second term, would set up a three-way race for speaker. Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola ...
Comments (12)
Danny Wier via Texas Tribune on Facebook
They always like to point out they're "praying about" running. They want to make sure the voters know they're God's chosen candidate. Rule No. 1 of Texas politics, especially if you're an R.
Jake Thomas via Texas Tribune on Facebook
To Danny: I understand how you feel about that, and I especially hate it when guys like Huckabee, Perry, Santorum play the crap out of the religion card just to get votes. Kinda pathetic and degrading.
But Mr.Simpson doesn't whore out his religion like those others. But I do think it is something you pray about with your family. I mean, think about it. You'll being putting yourself on a stage(metaphorically speaking) in front of millions of people, with others not afraid to attack you and your family on a whim.
But yes your are right that there are a lot of politicians who play the God card just to court votes, and it is sad. All I'm saying is David Simpson is not one of those kind of politicians.
Tom Sullivan via Texas Tribune on Facebook
ugh.
Emily Miller via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Double ugh.
Steven Kite
Mr. Thomas, EVERY candidate, no matter how insane or fundiwhacko, has disciples who will swear up and down that HE, (or SHE), isn't like those OTHER folk who whore out their religion for political points. OUR guy isn't one of THOSE people.
Every single one.
None of them are any more convincing than the others.
Bambi Clark via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Just what we need is another wingnut.........:(
Jake Thomas via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Mr.Clayton, you would be correct. I can honestly not refute that. I guess all I can say is he really doesn't showboat his religion like the others. But, like you said: most supporters of a politician always say that.
gypsy314 ne
I think Bryan or Simpson will do fine in the speakership job Anyone but rino Joe Straus would be a good thing for Texas. We need to remove all liberal democrats from Texas sooner the better.
Colin Strother via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I'm praying too.
John Cobarruvias via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Praying will work. I saw a group of people in a prayer circle as Gallery Furniture was on fire. It worked! The fire was out the next morning!
Theo Kaht via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Fortunately our constitution prohibits government from having any religious tests for those seeking public office.
Also fortunately, it does NOT prohibit ME from having one. When any candidate tries to gain support by exclaiming that, "God told me to run" they have proven themselves incompetent and entirely unfit for office, for the simple reason that they do not recognize the difference between their god and everyone's government.
Rick Perrys-Taint
Anyone but Gary Nelson. Expell him from Texas.