All anyone needs to enjoy the state legislature is a strong stomach, and a complete insensitivity to the needs of the people. -Texas Observer, 1971Texas Monthly released its best and worst legislators of 2007. On the worst list, the Lt. Gov, the House Speaker, and the Governor, even though he's not technically a legislator.
I wouldn't dare make a best/worst ranking myself. Instead, some of the men I consider most memorable:
Scott H0chberg, D- HoustonHis moppy white hair and glasses look may be a little out of style, but his lack of fashion sense belies his political sense. The guy's some sort of super genius, you know, those ones who are so super genius that it's hard to relate to people? That's him.
Jerry M@dden, R-Richards0nJerry (seen in the gray suit) reminds me of everyone's Uncle that we only see at Thanksgiving. In fact, I took to calling him "Uncle Jerry" behind his back. One day, when I approached him on the floor, I accidentally slipped and called him that to his face. After that, he started referring to himself in third person as Uncle Jerry. (photo credit AP)
T0mmy Merritt, R-L0ngviewIf the lege is high school, Tommy (w/the pom poms) is the guy who always has the beer hookups. He walked around the floor handing out hot green wristbands to the ladies he liked, so they could get in free to the clubs where he would throw late night parties.
He's always kinda drunk, and always kinda sweaty, but always a riot. (photo credit Pink Dome)
Speaker Tom Cr@ddick, R-M!dland
Imaginary conversation, but I think it says it all
Member: Parliamentary inquiry
Craddick: State your inquiry
Member: Could I go to the bathroom
Craddick: I will not recognize you for that motion
Member: I really need to go, I move to overrule your ruling
Craddick: I didn't make a ruling, I simply didn't recognize you
Member: Parliamentary inquiry
Craddick: State your inquiry
Member: Puedo ir el bano?
Craddick: That is not a proper parliamentary inquiry.
Yeah, watching these guys run state government is my job. I have a pretty sweet job.
