Issue: Election of Speaker of the Texas House
To: Members and Members-Elect of the Texas House
True Texas Project urges all House Representatives to support Representative David Cook for Speaker of the House in the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature. Representative Cook has shown his commitment to the significant reforms that grassroots voters have demanded. It’s time to change the culture of the House and the Speaker’s position to what it was intended to be – an atmosphere where all members are treated with respect and dignity. The Speaker should not favor nor punish certain people or groups. The job of Speaker is to manage the business of the House in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner for ALL House Representatives.
We believe Representative Cook is the better candidate because:
- Cook has been open and transparent about his bid for the Speaker position, following the established procedure and caucus rules. Rep. Burrows announced his intent 1 day before the caucus vote and has mis-represented support from some colleagues, as well as having declared himself the winner after the Caucus nominated Rep. Cook. We need a Speaker we can rely on to be honest in his/her dealings.
- Cook has committed to limiting his service to 2 terms. One of the problems with previous Speakers has been longevity and the ability to amass power and wealth as a result of this position.
- Cook has signed and committed to the entire Contract With Texas, which we support. He has put his initials next to every plank in the contract, including no minority party committee chairs.
- Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, AG Paxton, and Ag Commissioner Miller have all stated their support for the Republican Caucus Nominee, David Cook.
- Burrows, as chair of the Calendars Committee, has prevented important legislation from coming to the House floor for a vote, and as Speaker, we expect he will appoint an ally to the new Calendars Committee who will do the same. It is not the job of the Calendars Committee to decide which issues come to the floor for a vote. Regardless of party, all bills that pass out of committee should have a chance to be equally debated and voted on by the entire House body.
- To quote Rep. Brent Money – “The Speaker’s role should be like a referee, ensuring that the rules are followed and everyone has a chance to play their game, not like a coach, deciding who gets to play and how they play the game”. We believe Representative Cook is that type of person.
- We agree with Lt Governor Patrick when he said: “”As far as those who support Burrows, I’m glad they weren’t with Travis at the Alamo when he drew the line in the sand. They would have crossed the line and walked out of the gate, leaving their fellow fighters behind.”
- Texas Republicans have also drawn a line in the sand. Will you stand behind it, or cross over?
Please give careful consideration to electing a Speaker of the House who will perform the duties of the office as it was originally intended. We also urge you to be sure the vote is a public, record vote. Texans deserve to know how their representatives voted on this important decision.
For questions or additional information on True Texas Project Priorities, please contact Fran Rhodes, President, at [email protected].