Reconsidering Whitmire

Off the Kuff: That's our Lege Archives: "I've got a long memory. Having a blog with categories and archives helps, since I can easily search for stuff I know I've written about in the past. One of the things I remember well is how State Sen. John Whitmire sold out his Democratic colleagues by unilaterally ending the Senate standoff on redistricting in 2003. Had he been able to control his happy feet for another 30 days or so, the Democrats would have won by running out the clock - there would not have been the time for a new map to get passed, reviewed, and litigated prior to the January filing deadline. He's never given an adequate explanation for his choice, nor has he ever (to my knowledge) expressed regret that he helped Tom DeLay get his way. I'm still pretty bitter about it, and I know I'm not alone.

But I have to admit that he's had a pretty good session this year. Injustice Anywhere lists some of Whitmire's accomplishments, and she's got a point. Last month, Marc Campos claimed that Whitmire is the 'leading voice' among Texas Democrats right now. I'm not sure I'd agree with that, and I certainly hope that in a few months' time, once the campaign season has really kicked into gear, we'll have some stiff competition for that designation, but Whitmire's seniority and visibility on criminal justice matters arguably makes him the most influential Dem in the statehouse."