Joe Straus

[mojo84]

Link Charles Cotton's Texas Firearms Coalition website.
https://www.texasfirearmscoalition.com/ ... tus-report" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[paxton25]

And first off I didn't claim you made a personal attack on me. But your attitude was directed at me undeservedly. That question does not indicate that I believe they are not using their influence. Of course they have influence and use it. I think they should use their influence MORE and publicly. When did I say they should advocate for Straus' replacement? I already explained what I would like the lobbyists to do. If you would stop making up what I said you might be able to see it. "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?" Is that specific enough for you?

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?

[paxton25]

That is a good link, and thank you to Mr. Cotton for endorsing HB195.

Link Charles Cotton's Texas Firearms Coalition website.
https://www.texasfirearmscoalition.com/ ... tus-report" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RoyGBiv]

And what did I do that deserved this kind of out of left field response from you? What the heck 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?

Here's reality.....

Legislators talk..... They get together in their caucuses and they feel each other out, they share their thoughts, they share the opinions they're hearing from their constituents, they share what they hear from other overlapping caucuses. And they develop an opinion as to whether Straus can be beat. Sometimes the momentum crystallizes out of a candidate declaring his/her entry into the race. Sometimes the momentum builds as legislators waning confidence in the current Speaker becomes apparent. Nobody wants to jump on a ship that's sailing in the wrong direction. It hurts their constituents to do so. So, this game gets played out behind the scenes.

The best thing you can do is encourage your local legislators to press for change in House leadership. Then it's up to them to play the inside baseball. The more they hear from their constituents on this issue, the more likely they will be to press for change. Have you called your State House Rep and spoken with him/her about this issue? What did they tell you?

I have no idea what Charles is doing, if anything, on this issue. But I'm 1,000% confident he, and the other folks advocating on 2A inside the Statehouse, are doing all they can to move 2A bills forward, as far and fully as possible. Just because they're not here telling us all about it doesn't mean nothing is happening (sorry for the double-negative).

It's entirely possible that Straus has the Speaker position locked up and he's the guy we have to work with again this session. If that's the case, we need to find the most mutually constructive way to work with him. That's just the facts.

Hopefully this all makes sense. Sure, it's incredibly unsatisfying to have to sit back and wait when what you really want to do is participate and advocate. Talking about the inside baseball here would be self-destructive. Hopefully you can see that a bit more clearly now. Don't let your impatience burn bridges, in the legislature or with other citizens.

[paxton25]

And what did I do that deserved this kind of out of left field response from you? What the heck 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?

Here's reality.....

Legislators talk..... They get together in their caucuses and they feel each other out, they share their thoughts, they share the opinions they're hearing from their constituents, they share what they hear from other overlapping caucuses. And they develop an opinion as to whether Straus can be beat. Sometimes the momentum crystallizes out of a candidate declaring his/her entry into the race. Sometimes the momentum builds as legislators waning confidence in the current Speaker becomes apparent. Nobody wants to jump on a ship that's sailing in the wrong direction. It hurts their constituents to do so. So, this game gets played out behind the scenes.

The best thing you can do is encourage your local legislators to press for change in House leadership. Then it's up to them to play the inside baseball. The more they hear from their constituents on this issue, the more likely they will be to press for change. Have you called your State House Rep and spoken with him/her about this issue? What did they tell you?

I have no idea what Charles is doing, if anything, on this issue. But I'm 1,000% confident he, and the other folks advocating on 2A inside the Statehouse, are doing all they can to move 2A bills forward, as far and fully as possible. Just because they're not here telling us all about it doesn't mean nothing is happening (sorry for the double-negative).

It's entirely possible that Straus has the Speaker position locked up and he's the guy we have to work with again this session. If that's the case, we need to find the most mutually constructive way to work with him. That's just the facts.

Hopefully this all makes sense. Sure, it's incredibly unsatisfying to have to sit back and wait when what you really want to do is participate and advocate. Talking about the inside baseball here would be self-destructive. Hopefully you can see that a bit more clearly now. Don't let your impatience burn bridges, in the legislature or with other citizens.

I appreciate your response, and just so you know, I am not a novice to Texas politics, I am very aware of what "reality" is. I know that Straus will be speaker again, no doubt at all, but I also know that the best way to get a politician to go on record or do what we want is when he feels vulnerable. Right now Straus is probably feeling a bit vulnerable. If we put enough pressure on him it at least makes him easier to deal with when he schedules floor votes on our agenda items. Heck who knows, he may even feel so much pressure now that he makes a public statement that if he is reelected he would make open carry legislation a priority. Sure, that's swinging for the fences but there's nothing to loose.

[RoyGBiv]

And what did I do that deserved this kind of out of left field response from you? What the heck 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?

Here's reality.....

Legislators talk..... They get together in their caucuses and they feel each other out, they share their thoughts, they share the opinions they're hearing from their constituents, they share what they hear from other overlapping caucuses. And they develop an opinion as to whether Straus can be beat. Sometimes the momentum crystallizes out of a candidate declaring his/her entry into the race. Sometimes the momentum builds as legislators waning confidence in the current Speaker becomes apparent. Nobody wants to jump on a ship that's sailing in the wrong direction. It hurts their constituents to do so. So, this game gets played out behind the scenes.

The best thing you can do is encourage your local legislators to press for change in House leadership. Then it's up to them to play the inside baseball. The more they hear from their constituents on this issue, the more likely they will be to press for change. Have you called your State House Rep and spoken with him/her about this issue? What did they tell you?

I have no idea what Charles is doing, if anything, on this issue. But I'm 1,000% confident he, and the other folks advocating on 2A inside the Statehouse, are doing all they can to move 2A bills forward, as far and fully as possible. Just because they're not here telling us all about it doesn't mean nothing is happening (sorry for the double-negative).

It's entirely possible that Straus has the Speaker position locked up and he's the guy we have to work with again this session. If that's the case, we need to find the most mutually constructive way to work with him. That's just the facts.

Hopefully this all makes sense. Sure, it's incredibly unsatisfying to have to sit back and wait when what you really want to do is participate and advocate. Talking about the inside baseball here would be self-destructive. Hopefully you can see that a bit more clearly now. Don't let your impatience burn bridges, in the legislature or with other citizens.

I appreciate your response, and just so you know, I am not a novice to Texas politics, I am very aware of what "reality" is. I know that Straus will be speaker again, no doubt at all, but I also know that the best way to get a politician to go on record or do what we want is when he feels vulnerable. Right now Straus is probably feeling a bit vulnerable. If we put enough pressure on him it at least makes him easier to deal with when he schedules floor votes on our agenda items. Heck who knows, he may even feel so much pressure now that he makes a public statement that if he is reelected he would make open carry legislation a priority. Sure, that's swinging for the fences but there's nothing to loose.

I can't find the quote right now, but IIRC, one of his "D" minions has already promised to gum up everything "conservative" in the legislature. Not an auspicious start.

What to do?
Join the Tea Party... You know them?... That bunch of racists promoting a black guy for Speaker... <jk, JK>
http://northtexasteaparty.org/2014/11/1 ... aapproval/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The sad reality....
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics ... acking.ece" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Capriglione is MY rep. Yes... I did speak with him the other day for almost an hour. No, I won't share his comments here. Suffice to say we had a straightforward discussion and he's a solidly 2A guy.

[paxton25]

I think you are pretty much spot on. So far as the speaker vote my view is since Straus is most likely to win I would like to see us sit back and just see who votes for who. Separates the insiders who care more about ambition that policy. Either way it shouldn't change the strategy of applying pressure to get the right bill to a floor vote and passed.

[mojo84]

I think you are pretty much spot on. So far as the speaker vote my view is since Straus is most likely to win I would like to see us sit back and just see who votes for who. Separates the insiders who care more about ambition that policy. Either way it shouldn't change the strategy of applying pressure to get the right bill to a floor vote and passed.

I think Straus' cronies and insiders are pretty well known and obvious. The problem is, their constituents keep voting them into office.

[paxton25]

sure they are, but pressure has been building against him since the last session and there are several freshmen reps. You never know who will flip either way.

[mojo84]

In my opinion, it's going to take more than a few freshmen to get Straus ousted as speaker and even more to get him out of the house. The guy is entrenched pretty well. I am well aware of several groups working hard to find a chink in his armor. Not saying it can't be done but it won't be easy and isn't likely.

[paxton25]

Of course it will take more than that. I don't think anyone that knows anything truly believes Straus won't get the votes he needs next year. Hopefully the pressure he has been receiving plus several of his RINOs getting primaried out has made him a bit more pliable this session. I am sure he doesn't want to face another painful primary again.

In my opinion, it's going to take more than a few freshmen to get Straus ousted as speaker and even more to get him out of the house. The guy is entrenched pretty well. I am well aware of several groups working hard to find a chink in his armor. Not saying it can't be done but it won't be easy and isn't likely.

[SewTexas]

Of course it will take more than that. I don't think anyone that knows anything truly believes Straus won't get the votes he needs next year. Hopefully the pressure he has been receiving plus several of his RINOs getting primaried out has made him a bit more pliable this session. I am sure he doesn't want to face another painful primary again.

In my opinion, it's going to take more than a few freshmen to get Straus ousted as speaker and even more to get him out of the house. The guy is entrenched pretty well. I am well aware of several groups working hard to find a chink in his armor. Not saying it can't be done but it won't be easy and isn't likely.

his primary wasn't painful at all. few even knew he had an opponent until just before the election when his signs finally went up.

[paxton25]

All primaries are painful to politicians who believe their seat is their birthright. He had to spend money he didn't want to, had to campaign when he didn't want to, had to answer questions he didn't want to. They don't like that.

Of course it will take more than that. I don't think anyone that knows anything truly believes Straus won't get the votes he needs next year. Hopefully the pressure he has been receiving plus several of his RINOs getting primaried out has made him a bit more pliable this session. I am sure he doesn't want to face another painful primary again.

In my opinion, it's going to take more than a few freshmen to get Straus ousted as speaker and even more to get him out of the house. The guy is entrenched pretty well. I am well aware of several groups working hard to find a chink in his armor. Not saying it can't be done but it won't be easy and isn't likely.

his primary wasn't painful at all. few even knew he had an opponent until just before the election when his signs finally went up.

[mojo84]

Dallas County Republicans want Turner to replace Straus. I am a little surprised it wasn't more one-sided. Tells me Straus has more support outside of his cronies and progressive friend than some realize.

http://www.empowertexans.com/features/d ... r-speaker/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[SewTexas]

All primaries are painful to politicians who believe their seat is their birthright. He had to spend money he didn't want to, had to campaign when he didn't want to, had to answer questions he didn't want to. They don't like that.

Of course it will take more than that. I don't think anyone that knows anything truly believes Straus won't get the votes he needs next year. Hopefully the pressure he has been receiving plus several of his RINOs getting primaried out has made him a bit more pliable this session. I am sure he doesn't want to face another painful primary again.

In my opinion, it's going to take more than a few freshmen to get Straus ousted as speaker and even more to get him out of the house. The guy is entrenched pretty well. I am well aware of several groups working hard to find a chink in his armor. Not saying it can't be done but it won't be easy and isn't likely.

his primary wasn't painful at all. few even knew he had an opponent until just before the election when his signs finally went up.

no, he didn't. like I said, no one knew he had an opponent. he put up the same signs he put up when he didn't have an opponent, ran the same few ads he ran when he didn't have an opponent.....basically he spent just enough money to get the tax break.