You need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows in the quirky race for House speaker, which goes to an official vote (or two) next Tuesday, the opening day of the Legislature. Winds out of the north have Plano Rep. Brian McCall sweeping incumbent Speaker Tom Craddick under the rug, thanks to a last-minute assist from Waxahachie Rep. Jim Pitts, who also happens to be running for speaker. Still another scenario has the utterly rational, even-tempered Jim Keffer (think Gerald Ford) of Eastland becoming the “accidental speaker” to help heal a divided House. But wait! Craddick’s spokeswoman, Alexis DeLee, tells us her boss has 83 “solid” aye votes – more than enough to win re-election – plus “some” additional, unnamed members who have very recently committed their support. Seven-day outlook: Watch for sudden wind shifts, extreme hot and cold temperatures, severe freeze warnings; busted kneecaps and other storm damage likely.
This article appears in December 29 • 2006.
