Democrats considering Laney for governor

[ThJ]

By John Moritz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 07/07/05

AUSTIN -- The last time Pete Laney got swept up in a political draft was when the longtime Democratic state lawmaker was called on to introduce Republican George W. Bush to the nation as president-elect in 2000.

But now, the former Texas House speaker who still represents a sprawling swath of the Panhandle in Austin, might be feeling a draft from inside his own party.

On the House floor Wednesday, Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, was showing off a T-shirt touting Laney as a candidate for governor. Several members sidled up to Thompson asking where they could get one.

"The Draft Laney campaign starts here. I sold 50 of these T-shirts in 10 minutes," said Thompson, holding up the shirt with the message: "Save Texas, Laney for Gov -- 06."

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/state/12073926.htm
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I don't think Laney would do this, but it is some interesting news.

[sonias]

1. Nope, I don't think Laney could pull it off

I like him but I don't think he's Governor material. First of all he hasn't said he wants it. You have to campaign hard to win in this state and Pete is too laid back in my opinion. You have to learn to play dirty hard ball. Pete's just too nice for that.

Just my opinion.

Sonia

[NoPasaran]

2. I have to disagree with you on something

Nobody gets to be Speaker without understanding how to play hardball.

Laney just had the talent to do it without constantly beaning batters, unlike DeLay's cellmate-in-waiting Craddick.

[sonias]

3. Keep in mind that he was speaker..

when the Democrats were in control. As soon as the Republicans took control, Laney was out. Bipartisanship, that the bush king spoke of, went out the window. The only thing these repukes understand is the whip. They want a strong father figure (matriarchal form of government) telling them what they will do. That's why they love karl rove and tom delay. Both are take no prisoners, you will do what we say or else kind of tyrants.

Sonia

[NoPasaran]

4. I was involved in some projects at the House of Reps

While Laney was Speaker and believe me the magic phrase that actually made things happen was "The Speaker wants..." The state government worked with an idiot like Dubya as governor because things were really being run by Laney and Bullock. They actually understood how to govern, unlike the current bunch of assclowns.

[sonias]

5. Totally agree that the power lies with the Lt. Gov and the Speaker

And that the Governor is "more ceremonial". But Perry has done his share of head chopping with that veto pen. I would love to have Laney come back to power. How about a run for Lt. Governor? I read somewhere though, that he had a tough time in his district after the redistricting battle and wasn't up for a statewide run. That was a while back.

Laney reminds me a lot of former Texas State Senator Bill Ratliff, who was a republican but also a gentleman. He cared about the rules of engagement. All of that is gone now with these assclowns. He retired rather than be part of the circus the republicans are running at the capital these days.

We can't fight on terms of "the way things used to be". We need to fight under the new rules to win. No retreat, no surrender and no more playing nice.

Sonia