Free Republic

Rep. Brian McCall, R-Plano, stunned Democratic supporters Wednesday by endorsing fellow Republican Rep. Jim Pitts for the Texas House speaker's job after insisting for nearly a week that he had the House votes to defeat Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland. Pitts of Waxahachie scheduled a news conference for 4 p.m. today. The McCall-Pitts switch caught many of McCall's Democratic supporters off guard. Instead of resolving the speaker's race, the surprise announcement may have muddled the campaign as Democrats pondered whether they would shift their support to a Republican that they had not anticipated backing. The election will be Tuesday, when the...

AUSTIN — Tom Craddick's bid to remain House speaker appeared increasingly uncertain Thursday with the announcement by a once-trusted member of his leadership team that he would oppose Craddick in what suddenly has become a three-way race among Republicans. Jim Pitts, 59, the affable Republican from Waxahachie whom Craddick appointed to chair the influential Appropriations Committee in 2004, said he decided to challenge the 63-year-old speaker from Midland because he is convinced he can win. While refusing to name names or discuss precise numbers, Pitts said at an afternoon news conference that he'd done the math and, unlike either of...

Craddick poised for 'greatest day' House speakership set for GOP stalwart; foes fear lobbyist leanings 01/11/2003 By PETE SLOVER / The Dallas Morning News MIDLAND - After Rep. Tom Craddick officially announced his decision to run for Texas House speaker in July, he opted for a novel public-relations strategy: He clammed up. His disciplined public silence over the ensuing months kept a lid on deal-making that forged a bipartisan, multiethnic coalition. That virtually ensures the Midland Republican of the crown jewel of his 34-year political career, the helm of the House when it convenes Tuesday. "That will probably be...