Fatigued Texas Lawmakers Leaving Over Partisan Battles (Dems & Repubs)

[Dover]

Dec. 12, 2005, 12:24AM
Key House lawmakers are looking for the door
As the deadline to file for election nears, members weary from failed sessions bow out


By POLLY ROSS HUGHES
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau

AUSTIN - Just three years after taking control of the Texas House for the first time in modern political history, some Republicans are joining frustrated Democrats and bowing out.

While a few of the eight Republican legislative leaders leaving the lower chamber are seeking higher office, several concede they are suffering from legislative fatigue because of increased partisan bickering or too many failed special sessions.

"I'm weary, just tired. Why do you hit yourself in the head with a hammer? The answer is, it feels so good when you quit," said County Affairs Committee Chairman Ray Allen, of Grand Prairie, who is not seeking re-election...cont'd

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3518076.html

[rodeodance]

1. it is tiring for all involved----even those 'at a distance' reading about

these issues.

[Dover]

2. Yep...another good reason why super partisans like Tom Delay need to go.

Even if not convicted, can their party survive more of his brand of politics? It's suicidal.

[Bridget Burke]

5. I think you hit the nail on the head....

Look at "I'm weary, just tired. Why do you hit yourself in the head with a hammer? The answer is, it feels so good when you quit," said County Affairs Committee Chairman Ray Allen, of Grand Prairie, who is not seeking re-election.

We all know who The Hammer is, don't we?

[Dover]

6. Lol! Missed that reference completely. n/t

[leveymg]

3. Rats fleeing a sinking ship.

Take a close look at the GOP Members who are unexeptedly leaving behind seats in Congress and the Texas legislature. It isn't just weeriness, a lot of it has to do with the unravelling of the Abramoff-Delay, Wilkes-Cunningham, and Norquist-Reed influence buying networks.

[zbdent]

4. Thought those Texans had a reputation for being tough

I guess that being in session for both years of their term really is wearing them thin . . .

[400Years]

7. The Texas Lege is more like a circus than

a governing body. It really is a joke.