Representative Senfronia Thompson’s office sent out the following letter to various political bloggers. It was forwarded to me. While I’m late getting it up, it’s never too late to act.

Milton Riser is a political operative. He has long and well known ties to the Craddick and Dewhurst political way of doing business. His appointment to the Lege council is the shot heard round Texas today. Why? Because the Lege Council is a traditionally ‘non-partisan’ position. It handles volumes of things from setting up the Legislators’ computers to drafting the legislation on behalf of representatives. The fact that a partisan person is being put into this position is a foot on the neck of bi-partisanship in the state of Texas.

So what can we do? Work fast. The confirmations are tomorrow. My suggestions are to call Craddick and Dewhurst (in their office) and voice your outrage that hiring through cronyism is still alive in the State of Texas, when our country’s government is falling to hell in a handbasket over the same issue.

Call Tom Craddick’s Offices at the State Capitol:
Room CAP 2W.13
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
(512) 463-1000
(512) 463-7722 (fax)

Or, his district office:
500 West Texas, Ste. 880
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 682-3000
(432) 684-4864 (Fax)

Unfortunately, I am unable to find Dewhurst’s number, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for an astute person to track down.

Senfronia Thompson has long been the voice of reason in the state. We often look to her as she speaks her mind, and take in what she has to say. As one of the few people that truly know the rules in the House, her voice is one that we should look to for guidance.

If you click through, you can read her entire letter. As time goes by, more may be added to this post, along with the outcome of the confirmations, tomorrow. Some are saying that this puts Texas in its very own Alito confirmation situation.

Remember, it’s never too late to act.

31 January, 2006

The Honorable Tom Craddick
The Honorable David Dewhurst

To the Honorable Members of the Legislative Council:

It has come to my attention that the Council is scheduled to approve a new Council director Wednesday morning, Milton Rister, a political operative, who has worked against sitting members of both Houses. Mr. Rister will more than likely work with some of these members in his capacity as the Executive Director of the Legislative Council. Mr. Rister’s devisive presence may create a perceived erosion of the confidentiality, independence, discretion, and credibility of the non-partisan Legislative Council.

As one of the most senior legislators and a former member of the Legislative Council, I urge your reconsideration of this ill-considered and ill-timed appointment. Texas Legislators must be able to depend on the Legislative Council to draft potential legislation according to the members request and for those requests to remain confidential. This has always been the policy of the Legislative Council. Having an Executive Director, with such a well-documented political agenda could stifle many legislators’ willingness to make use of the such a valuable legislative asset.

The bipartisan traditions of the Texas Legislature have been honored by such diverse persons as George W. Bush and Ann Richards. At the core of this tradition, is an independent and dependable Legislative Council. I pray a more suitable candidate can be found to fill the shoes of true non-partisan Texas heroes like Bob Johnson and Bob Kelly.
Yours for a better Texas,

Senfronia ThompsonState Representative
cc: Members of the Legislative Council

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