Following the “pledge card” practice means that a relatively small number of often nominal Republicans can elect a speaker by allying with the Democrat minority, which understandably would prefer to have a Speaker who is not a GOP stalwart . . . especially if that Speaker also gives Democrat members control of certain committees as a sweetener. [More]
So basically, between the speaker and the lieutenant governor, we’re talking a drunk and a poltroon…
[Via Michael G]
Texas-Related UPDATE
Governor Abbott Signs Key Pro-Second Amendment Bills into Law… House Bill 2837 … prohibits financial institutions and credit card companies from requiring licensed dealers to use a firearms-specific merchant category code (MCC) to categorize retail gun purchases [and] House Bill 3137 … expands the state firearms preemption law… [More]
Have asked, but no answer yet as to whether 2837 applies only to retailers and payment processors domiciled in TX, and/or how it may be enforced against banjs/processors based in, say, Delaware. Not holding breath.