Farewell, Joe Allen

Texas Democratic Party chair Boyd Richie has released a tribute to Rep. Joe Allen, D-Baytown, who died on Saturday, aged 68.

Today, Texas laid to rest Joseph Hugh Allen, an honorable man who dedicated his life to bettering his community, state, and nation. As a family man, legislator, and businessman, Joe always put the interest of others before his. His time on this earth was far too short and his presence will always be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

The oft-times bow-tied former state rep (and later vice-president of government affairs for Enron) represented the Harris district for 13 years. starting in 1966. He was most famous in Democratic circle for being part of the Dirty Thirty that fought to oust House Speaker Speaker Gus Mutscher. Mutscher was accused of being a dictator in the House, and finally ended up doing five years probation after being found guilty of accepting a bribe.