April 1, 2004 6:24 AM

Republicans really DO eat their young

Strayhorn rakes Perry, hints new leader needed

Hmm...if I didn't know better, it's beginning to sound as if Governor Goodhair may just have a challenger in 2006. Of course, he's got two years to actually DO something, but if he hasn't figured things out by now, two more years certainly isn't going to make a noticeable difference.

AUSTIN -- Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn on Wednesday said it may be time for new leadership in Texas as she blasted Gov. Rick Perry for failing Texas children on two fronts -- health care and school funding.

"It's time to stop the hemorrhaging. It's time to put children first," said Strayhorn in a speech to county administrators.

Strayhorn said Perry should call lawmakers into a special session to address school finance and to use $583 million in unbudgeted funds to restore health care cuts made during the 2003 session. She noted that since September, 119,000 children have lost their coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Plan and that a new asset test being considered by the Health and Human Services Commission could throw thousands more off the program.

"It is unconscionable that we're dead last in percent of children on health insurance," said Strayhorn.

She criticized Perry, saying he let months of inactivity pass while the school system suffers.

"I say his learning curve should now be complete, and if not, we need new leadership willing not to delay, not to cajole, not to offer patchwork proposals packaged in lofty titles," said Strayhorn.

Of course nothing has happened with education reform. The Texas Legislature has devoted all of what little political will they have to shoving redistricting down the throats of Texas because, well, that's what Tom DeLay demanded of them. These poor folks are probably just plain tuckered out. Of course, Governor Goodhair should be rested and rested to roll, especially since no one really knows just what it is he does.

From where I sit, the prospect of watching Republicans beating up on other Republicans is a truly delicious prospect. I'd feel even better if Texas Democrats could come up with something resembling a viable candidate. If we cannot do better than the "stuffed shirt with a pulse" we've put up for the past two gubernatorial campaigns, the Republicans could run Pee Wee Herman and win.

Ah, well; it's still early. Governor Goodhair is still in hibernation. It's probably best that we let him be for now. Otherwise, he might actually try to do something, and wouldn't THAT be a disaster looking for a place to happen?

blog comments powered by Disqus

Technorati

Technorati search

» Blogs that link here

About this Entry

This page contains a single entry by Jack Cluth published on April 1, 2004 6:24 AM.

I'm not a praying man, but if it helps get rid of DeLay, I'm willing to learn.... was the previous entry in this blog.

'Tis a fitting tribute is the next entry in this blog.

Find recent content on the main index or look in the archives to find all content.

Contact Me

Powered by Movable Type 5.12