Patrick Rose

State House races are a referendum on GOP leadership

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Races for the Texas House of Representatives this year are colored by the failed Republican leadership in the lower house of the Legislature.

House Speaker Tom Craddick’s disastrous handling of challenges to his leadership has heightened House races across the state, including several in Central Texas. Whether voters know it or not — and certainly most don’t — House races on the Nov. 4 ballot are a referendum on Craddick’s heavy-handed rule.

District 45

Incumbent Patrick Rose, 30, has distinguished himself as an effective leader and should be re-elected to a fourth term. Rose is a Democrat, but he has to be a bipartisan representative in his swing district, which covers Hays, Caldwell and Blanco counties.

Rose has voted his district, and his list of accomplishments includes road improvements, funding for Texas State University and support for local schools. In a district of independent-minded voters, Rose has gained their support by voting their interests, not either party’s.

Rose began the 2007 legislative session as a Craddick supporter, but by the end had joined the bipartisan voices challenging the speaker’s disgraceful rule. Rose should continue to oppose any speaker who will not recognize an elected member of the House.

Running against Rose is Republican Matt Young, 40, a former Marine and Wimberley businessman. Young hasn’t attracted enough support or money to mount an effective challenge, and his idea to eliminate both property and business taxes is too silly to take seriously.

Also on the ballot is Tom Gleinser, 60, the Libertarian Party candidate.

Rose, a lawyer whose family runs a real estate business in Dripping Springs, is clearly the best candidate on the ballot and should be returned to the Legislature.