Joe Straus

[mojo84]

I think he has it set up so others do his dirty work so he doesn't have to vote on record for things he doesn't like.

[steveincowtown]

I think he has it set up so others do his dirty work so he doesn't have to vote on record for things he doesn't like.

This is always the arguement from the NRA, that they only rate based on voting. Then why does Wendy Davis have and "F" which she voted "Yea" on School Marshalls, Guns in cars on campus, and the expansion of firearms manufacturing in Texas?

(Votesmart.org)

At some point before this session someone from the NRA really needs to have a "come to Jesus" meeting with Straus and let him know if he continues his antics he will no longer have an "A" rating.

[mojo84]

I think he has it set up so others do his dirty work so he doesn't have to vote on record for things he doesn't like.

This is always the arguement from the NRA, that they only rate based on voting. Then why does Wendy Davis have and "F" which she voted "Yea" on School Marshalls, Guns in cars on campus, and the expansion of firearms manufacturing in Texas?

(Votesmart.org)

At some point before this session someone from the NRA really needs to have a "come to Jesus" meeting with Straus and let him know if he continues his antics he will no longer have an "A" rating.

You should ask Charles.

[hillfighter]

From Forbes.

The Harry Reid of Texas.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickglea ... timizely=a

That is a very unfair comparison. Harry Reid admits he's a Democrat.

[2farnorth]

From Forbes.

The Harry Reid of Texas.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickglea ... timizely=a

That is a very unfair comparison. Harry Reid admits he's a Democrat.

[OlBill]

I just wrote my rep respectfully asking him to make Scott Turner Speaker.

[mojo84]

It's my opinion, Straus has mastered legislating through cronyism.

[The Annoyed Man]

I think he has it set up so others do his dirty work so he doesn't have to vote on record for things he doesn't like.

This is always the arguement from the NRA, that they only rate based on voting. Then why does Wendy Davis have and "F" which she voted "Yea" on School Marshalls, Guns in cars on campus, and the expansion of firearms manufacturing in Texas?

(Votesmart.org)

At some point before this session someone from the NRA really needs to have a "come to Jesus" meeting with Straus and let him know if he continues his antics he will no longer have an "A" rating.

Because the rating is based in part on how they answer the NRA's questionnaire, not just on their voting record.

[paxton25]

I think leadership needs to change if good bills are going to come out of the house. I am curious why there aren't any posts in this thread from the NRA people working in Austin like Mr. Cotton. What is their position on speaker Straus? What are you doing to make sure good gun bills get passed? I think if you used your considerable influence to pressure him to put good bills up it would make it easier right?

[MeMelYup]

I think leadership needs to change if good bills are going to come out of the house. I am curious why there aren't any posts in this thread from the NRA people working in Austin like Mr. Cotton. What is their position on speaker Straus? What are you doing to make sure good gun bills get passed? I think if you used your considerable influence to pressure him to put good bills up it would make it easier right?

The lobbiests have to be careful not to blatantly offend. That would be political suiside.

[paxton25]

Yea but imagine what they could do if they really wanted their agenda passed and they used their clout and influence. This is the problem I see, those that can make it happen won't make it happen because they don't want to loose any influence they think they have and really all they are doing is providing cover for bad politicians and bad bills. What's wrong with at least coming out and saying "we will be watching this next legislative session closely and we urge whoever the speaker will be to bring bill XXXX to the floor for a vote? It's not political suicide to advocate strongly for your legislative agenda.

[mojo84]

Yea but imagine what they could do if they really wanted their agenda passed and they used their clout and influence. This is the problem I see, those that can make it happen won't make it happen because they don't want to loose any influence they think they have and really all they are doing is providing cover for bad politicians and bad bills. What's wrong with at least coming out and saying "we will be watching this next legislative session closely and we urge whoever the speaker will be to bring bill XXXX to the floor for a vote? It's not political suicide to advocate strongly for your legislative agenda.

Really? What makes you think they are not exerting pressure using their influence? You've made a lot of assertions and I'm wondering if they are based on factual information or just your impression because you haven't seen them say exactly what you want in this that. Or is it because Mr. Cotton and Ms. Tripp hasn't donned their sloppy clothes and black rifles and gone out to Starbucks and Kroger?

[Ivan244]

The best hope is of course Gov Abbott. Special session and intro all the pro civil rights for gun owners bills and bypass Straus all together. Will he don't know hope he has that determination.

[paxton25]

And what did I do that deserved this kind of out of left field response from you? What the hell does Kroger and Starbucks have to do with what I posted? The factual information is I haven't seen any of the respected lobbyists post in this thread, I think that is deliberate, good choice or bad choice it is deliberate IMO. I also haven't seen anything publicly addressing the speaker issue in Texas. If you have a public quote or email or literature that has let me know. What assertions are you specifically referring to? That I wished those with the influence and lobbying skills would use their influence and power to be more assertive on getting good bills passed? Which part of that do you find so offensive that you felt you needed to go on a tirade against me?

Yea but imagine what they could do if they really wanted their agenda passed and they used their clout and influence. This is the problem I see, those that can make it happen won't make it happen because they don't want to loose any influence they think they have and really all they are doing is providing cover for bad politicians and bad bills. What's wrong with at least coming out and saying "we will be watching this next legislative session closely and we urge whoever the speaker will be to bring bill XXXX to the floor for a vote? It's not political suicide to advocate strongly for your legislative agenda.

Really? What makes you think they are exerting pressure using their influence? You've made a lot of assertions and I'm wondering if they are based on factual information or just your impression because you haven't seen them say exactly what you want in this that. Or is it because Mr. Cotton and Ms. Tripp hasn't donned their sloppy clothes and black rifles and gone out to Starbucks and Kroger?

[mojo84]

First off, I didn't attack you personal. I questioned your comment and assertions in this and the other thread.

This question alone indicated you believe they are not using their influence.

I think if you used your considerable influence to pressure him to put good bills up it would make it easier right?

Yea but imagine what they could do if they really wanted their agenda passed and they used their clout and influence. This is the problem I see, those that can make it happen won't make it happen because they don't want to loose any influence they think they have and really all they are doing is providing cover for bad politicians and bad bills.

Why would the NRA or others that are working within the system come on here and publicly hammer and advocate for his replacement when there is limited chance Straus will be repkaced and knowing they may be contacting him in the best future to get him to appoint a more favorable committee chair or use his influence to get a bill to the for for a vote?

Would you be so kind as to specifically tell us what you expect of the NRA, Mr. Cotton and Tripp that they are not already doing?