Do I hear a motion to adjourn?

Tom Craddick says what we've all been thinking.

The special legislative session on school funding is a waste of time, Republican House Speaker Tom Craddick said Thursday as he urged leaders to pull the plug on the remaining two weeks.

"We have worked diligently to find a final compromise," said Craddick, who presides over the House. "At this point in the special session, neither chamber has been able to pass any legislation, and it does not appear that they will. We are wasting time and money, and it is unproductive to prolong this process."

Craddick issued the statement moments after fellow Republicans Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst expressed determination to continue working to find a solution to the vexing school funding dilemma.

Remember when some of us said that no real progress would be made on school finance reform until after the Texas Supremes made their ruling, because that's what Tom Craddick wanted? He was obviously toying with us this whole time. The Red State has the full statement, while PinkDome and In the Pink pile on. Aaron Pena gives the insider view.

Not everyone is ready to face up to reality, however.

"I'm disappointed by Speaker Craddick's statement and the apparent unwillingness of the House to continue considering school reform," Dewhurst said. "Because of today's comments by the Speaker, I will meet with Gov. Perry and senators to discuss our available options."

[...]

"I don't think there's ever been a war won waving a white flag," Perry said shortly before Craddick's statement. "I think that we will work towards getting the absolutely best solution that we can given all the cards that they have to play with."

Yeah, well, when what you've got is a seven-high hand and everyone knows you're a lousy bluffer, your options are pretty limited. Just out of curiosity, if the House adjourns for the session, what can either of these guys do? I'm about as certain as I can be that the answer is "nothing".

My favorite reaction, which came before Craddick's plug-pulling, comes from our senior Senator and erstwhile gubernatorial prospect.

“I thought when I bowed out of the governor’s race that it would take the politics out of the Legislature. That’s one of the reasons why I announced early,” she said. “I really thought that would help. I see no change, and I’m disappointed."

"Take the politics out of the Legislature." I'm pretty sure the only way to do that is to make a sine die motion. Which brings us back to where we started. Thanks to Greg and ItPT for the pointer.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on August 04, 2005 to That's our Lege | TrackBack