Texas GOP House Speaker Rocked By Allegations
From The Austin American-Statesman ~ A criminal complaint was filed with Travis County prosecutors this morning asking them to determine whether Speaker Tom Craddick is illegally trying to buy support for his re-election as House leader.
At issue are three $50,000 donations from Craddick, a Midland Republican, through a political committee to three House members, all Democrats and all Craddick supporters, facing re-election challenges within their party. A fourth Democrat, Austin Rep. Dawnna Dukes, turned down the money.
Neither Earle, nor Craddick were immediately available for comment this morning.
When the House convenes in 2009, the members must elect a speaker. Craddick, who defeated two challenges from within his own party during last year’s session, is expected to face another challenge in 2009.
Fifteen Democrats who voted for Craddick were crucial last year in offsetting his loss of support among Republicans.
McDonald’s complaint suggests Craddick violated state law by channeling money to the three Democrats last month.
On Jan. 10, according to campaign finance reports, Craddick revitalized a dormant political committee, Texans for Jobs & Opportunity Build a Secure Future, with a $250,000 donation from his campaign account.
It was the only money the political committee had when it made the $50,000 donations the next day to Reps. Aaron Pena of Edinburg, Ismael “Kino” Flores of Palmville and Kevin Bailey of Houston, according to campaign finance reports cited in the complaint. The three men are past supporters of Craddick, who appointed them chairmen of House committees.
At issue are three $50,000 donations from Craddick, a Midland Republican, through a political committee to three House members, all Democrats and all Craddick supporters, facing re-election challenges within their party. A fourth Democrat, Austin Rep. Dawnna Dukes, turned down the money.
Craig McDonald with Texans for Public Justice, a campaign finance watchdog group, filed the complaint with Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle.
Neither Earle, nor Craddick were immediately available for comment this morning.
When the House convenes in 2009, the members must elect a speaker. Craddick, who defeated two challenges from within his own party during last year’s session, is expected to face another challenge in 2009.
Fifteen Democrats who voted for Craddick were crucial last year in offsetting his loss of support among Republicans.
McDonald’s complaint suggests Craddick violated state law by channeling money to the three Democrats last month.
On Jan. 10, according to campaign finance reports, Craddick revitalized a dormant political committee, Texans for Jobs & Opportunity Build a Secure Future, with a $250,000 donation from his campaign account.
It was the only money the political committee had when it made the $50,000 donations the next day to Reps. Aaron Pena of Edinburg, Ismael “Kino” Flores of Palmville and Kevin Bailey of Houston, according to campaign finance reports cited in the complaint. The three men are past supporters of Craddick, who appointed them chairmen of House committees.
Labels: Ronnie Earle, Texas House, Tom Craddick
posted by Mike McCarville @ 1:58 PM
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