The West Texas legislators have been caving since 2001. Jones has been subservient to Laney for twenty years.
The most stupid thing about these legislators is that the House plan retains three West Texas districts -- even though number-wise -- they are only entitled to 2.5 districts. The House plan just combines Abilene and Lubbock, and creates a new district around Midland.
It may be that some of these West TX Republicans are protecting Stenholm because they think they can gain his seat when he retires. But Stenholm shows no early inclination to step down.