"Dan Patrick's very first move is to shut out the voices of millions of Texans. Patrick’s elimination of the 2/3 Rule is far more than a partisan attack on Democrats; it damages and weakens every member of the Texas Senate from both parties. Patrick is stripping power from his members and giving it to himself. It’s a Tom DeLay-style power grab."
Three simple actions to make Texas stronger and help unite all Texans
Greg Abbott faces an early test of both leadership and character. While Governor Abbott has softened his rhetoric lately, it’s fair for Texans to doubt that he’s sincerely moving past the harsh tone and divisive approach he's brought to public office.
"Rick Perry spent 14 years as Texas Governor and never invested a day or a dollar in the future of Texas. He used the great resources of our state and the hard work of Texans to benefit himself and his political supporters. Even today, he is using our State Capitol and the goodwill of Texans as tools to advance his political ambitions...
What would Perry say if he'd been given and accepted honest and responsible advice?
If Rick Perry’s communications team and policy advisors actually provided him with honest and responsible guidance in anticipation of his farewell address, their memo to him should be something along these lines:
Abbott leading Big Government Republicans in effort to limit local control and shift more power to Austin
During the 2014 campaign, new State Senator Don Huffines (SD16 - Dallas) regularly fired-up his Tea Party base with hot anti-big government rhetoric like:
"The decision by fellow Republican, Judge Bert Richardson, to reject Rick Perry’s motion to dismiss his criminal indictment is a political and legal body blow. Surely by now Rick Perry knows, getting indicted is never a good way to differentiate yourself from other presidential candidates."
Paxton actions similar to indicted New York Speaker Sheldon Silver
Sheldon Silver, the powerful New York Democratic House Speaker, was arrested last Thursday on federal criminal corruption charges. The actions that led to Silver’s indictment and arrest are very similar to the corrupt activity that has kept Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton under fire since early last year.
"Dan Patrick's very first move is to shut out the voices of millions of Texans. Patrick’s elimination of the 2/3 Rule is far more than a partisan attack on Democrats; it damages and weakens every member of the Texas Senate from both parties. Patrick is stripping power from his members and giving it to himself. It’s a Tom DeLay-style power grab."
