What, Another Election? The Speaker's Race in Detail

Last week's elections were very important, and millions of us participated. But there's another election coming soon, one that will affect each and every Texan, and only 150 people can participate.

Unlike statewide officials, the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives is elected by his colleagues. Nevertheless, the Speaker is one of the most powerful people in state government. Tom Craddick (pictured at left) has served as Speaker of the Texas House since 2003 -- the first Republican since Reconstruction to do so. Craddick's strong will and determined organization have made him a powerful Speaker; his governing style has also made him many enemies. And so it is that a lively, no-holds-barred Speaker's race is already underway.

This week on Texas Politics Today, we look at the crucial role of the Speaker in the Texas House of Representatives and examine the unfolding Speaker's race with two months to go until the 81st Texas Legislature convenes.

Former Speaker Pete Laney will talk about the role of the Speaker and what a Speaker's race looks like from the inside. Pete Laney (pictured at right) represented his West Texas district in the House for over 30 years and served as Speaker of that body from 1993-2003.

Former Speaker Laney then join Texas Monthly President and Editor Evan Smith and Austin American-Statesman political writer Laylan Copelin in an entertaining and absorbing analysis of the current Speaker's race.

Texas Politics Today airs every Friday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Central time on KOOP 91.7 FM, and streams live over the web at http://www.koop.org/. Tune in early this week to hear journalist Jeremy Scahill on privatization, US foreign policy, and the next presidential administration on People United at 1:00. Allan Campbell hosts, with a regular commentary by Rahul Mahajan ("Only in America").

Kick-Off Episode In New Time Slot

This week, Texas Politics Today expands to a new day and time -- Fridays from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Central time. Join us in our new time slot as we bring you more information, insight and inspiration on Texas state and local politics.

And what a week to kick it off! We had an historic election this week, elevating Senator Barack Obama as our nation's first African-American President. Here in Texas, Democrats gained one, and perhaps two, seats in the Senate and gained three seats in the Texas House. An election contest pending in Irving may yield another seat for the Democrats, creating a 75-75 partisan tie in the House. The changes have already triggered a challenge to Speaker Tom Craddick's hold on that office.

This week on Texas Politics Today, we unpack the elections and talk about the implications for America and for Texas. First, pollster Jeff Smith of Opinion Analysts discusses what the national and state turnout numbers tell us. Then, a distinguished panel of political practitioners and observers discuss the presidential campaign:

• Jeff Eller, President and CEO of Public Strategies and former Media Affairs Director in the Clinton White House;
• David Beckwith, Communications Director for U.S. Senator John Cornyn and former communications director for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst; and
• Ross Ramsey, editor and publisher of Texas Weekly, a widely-read and much-respected political newsletter.

KOOP broadcasts at 91.7 FM and can be heard streaming live over the Web at http://www.koop.org/. Texas Politics Today is hosted by longtime Capitol insider Deece Eckstein and Austin community activist (and Austin Chronicle "Best of Austin 2008" winner as "Best Radio Talk/News Host") David Kobierowski. Visit our website at http://www.texaspoliticstoday.net/.

Texas Politics Today Moves to Fridays

Beginning this week, Texas Politics Today expands to a new day and time on KOOP. Starting November 7, we will air on Fridays from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Central Time. We hope you will join us in our expanded time slot.