12.28.08
First one to 76 wins, the latest installment
It was only a matter of time, I suppose…Dan Gattis, Jr. files for speaker.
Rep. Dan Gattis said Sunday he is running for speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.
The Georgetown Republican is the twelfth candidate challenging Speaker Tom Craddick, a Midland Republican seeking a fourth term as House leader.
Gattis was one of Craddick’s lieutenants during the 2007 session but has been uncommitted since the November election.
The House Republican majority has shrunk from 88 to 76 since Craddick was first elected speaker in 2003. This year Democrats showed a net gain of three seats, a factor in Craddick’s difficulty in holding onto the leadership post.
This just might be the way for Gattis to solidify his statewide chops. Gattis has always been thought to be a rising star in the Texas GOP and with Daddy about to deliver on the landfill the time may be right. Running as a compassionate Craddick may be just what’s needed to woo those wayward R’s back into the fold. Then he can use his experience in a session or two to run for Lt. Gov., Gov., or beyond. BOR has more.