Texas House Democrats who fled the state to prevent a quorum during a special session of the legislature, are facing ridicule and confusion within its own ranks, as the end game of the political stunt is increasingly unclear.
A federal lawsuit filed against three Texas Republicans by the wayward House Democrats is gaining a reputation as a must-read legal document, but for all the wrong reasons.
The gaffe-ridden complaint, submitted Friday by an oft-disciplined Houston lawyer now practicing under a probationally suspended license, has been mocked on the right for, among other things, blaming the Republicans for the Democratic legislators’ decision to flee the state.
The complaint, which misspells the house speaker's name, lists 22 House Democrats as plaintiffs, but already state Reps. Nicole Collier and Shawn Thierry have tweeted statements saying that they did not authorize the filing even though their names are on it.
The filing blames Republicans for Democrats fleeing. But dumbfounded critics asked how this was the GOP’s fault, given that the nearly 60 Texas House Democrats who fled on chartered jets to block an elections bill did so over the objections of Mr. Abbott and the Republican-led House.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Sunday that the House Democrats, who absconded to Washington, D.C., last month to break quorum in the GOP-led House, “ought to be embarrassed.”
“Now the same group [is] filing a lawsuit by an attorney that apparently has his law license suspended, didn’t get the speaker’s name right, and [is] suing for a couple of bucks,” Mr. Patrick said on “Fox & Friends.” “They’re just showing how idiotic this whole adventure has been for them, and their credibility just disappears day by day by day.”
Even the White House tended to indicate that the Democrats plan was on its last legs.
Even the White House tended to indicate that the Democrats plan was on its last legs.
At a White House briefing Thursday, Press Secretary Jen Psaki seemed to indicate that President Joe Biden’s administration would support Democrats returning to Austin.
“I can’t say I’m exactly following too closely the legislative calendar there, but certainly if it required them to be there, we would support that,” she told reporters.
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan said he expected the Democrats to return.
"The Texas House remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities as soon our Democratic colleagues return from Washington or from their vacations abroad,” said Phelan, a Beaumont Republican. Two of the fleeing Democrats, Reps. Jessica Gonzalez and Julie Johnson are in Portugal for vacation, according to a Texas Monthly reporter.
(Full story here.)
--------------------------------------------------
** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? texaspolitics365@gmail.com
Advertisement
For advertising opportunities, email us.
.webp)
No comments:
Post a Comment