By Justice

Dec 31, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

Jill, you should listen to Ron. I think you have Dunham and Anderson mixed up. Anderson is nothing but a party stooge and has done little for Central Texas since taking up his post. You take one event, the unneeded restricting, and make your whole opinion about Dunham based on that. So why aren't you questioning all the Republicans in Austin who lied saying it was manditory when it was clearly stated by the law it was not.

There was a reason that Republicans hadn't held that much power in 150 years. The last time they were in power they lied cheated, and stole to try to keep their power. Kind of reminds one of what has been happening since they've been in power.

And before you go labelling, I don't call either party home. I consider myself a Conservative Moderate. Parties take care of the party, not the people. And as a fifth generation Texan, we're tired of electing "party people". It's time for Austin to get back to taking care of the people not the party.

By Realist

Dec 30, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Johnny, Jill:

These are the lines you need to read:

"Craddick, of Midland, is the longest-serving member in the House at 40 years. He rose to power in 2003 when Republicans won majority of the chamber for the first time in 130 years.

But the Republicansý 88-62 majority of just five years ago has dwindled to 76-74 for the 2009 session."

That pretty much spells the future....

By Johnny

Dec 30, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

You Dems are a real hoot. Ol' Oklahoma Jim is having pipe dreams again. You need to do your crowing when the deal is accomplished. Good luck!

By hspoon

Dec 30, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Cecil 1, just because legislators (House & Senate) don't unite as one behind every jot and tittle YOU demand from government, that does not mean each one of them is not properly listening to their district constituents...which is their actual duty & responsibility as legislators.

Constituents in cities have significantly different needs from those who live in rural areas. West Texans have different needs and wants than East Texans and/or Texans who live on the Gulf Coast. Legislating is nothing less than walking a narrow tight rope to see that the best interests of Texas and its citizens are met on a district by district basis. That is what we call a representative democracy! Legislators are duty bound to hear from & consider the desires of their primary constituents above any and all others, including their party, before concluding what their position will be on the diverse issues which come before them...unless the welfare of the state is directly in the balance. If a legislator makes someone happy, he/she also makes someone unhappy, depending on each constituent's perspective. Governing is an intricate, tedious and often thankless occupation.

I have found that those who whine, gripe and cry the most about what politicians & government(s) do or don't do FOR THEM are the very ones who usually don't take time to vote or participate in the democratic process or who are so idiotic as to think the legislature represents only them alone at the expense of all other citizens. They are usually completely ignorant of the dynamic human political and governmental system we work and live under. They are usually those who thought history and government (civics) were boring and unnecessary subjects in school.

Jim Dunnam is a dedicated & wise legislator who reperesents extremely well, with integrity, his district. It is a shame that Texas doesn't have a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives so Dunnam could have a shot at being elected Speaker. I have no doubt that he would be one of the great House Speakers were he given that opportunity. Yes, he is tough and he is not always the most gentle person on the House floor but he is almost always correct in his assessment of the issues insofar as the interests of his constituents and the people of Texas are concerned because he takes a broad scoped approach to decision-making. Waco (especially those on the east side of the city) is fortunate to have such a leader in Austin as Jim Dunnam. He is a tough advocate and/or opponent, depending on the situation, who knows when to hold 'em and knows when to fold'em in the interest of his district and Texas at large.

By Rusty Shackleford

Dec 30, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

"All he does is waist time.." Waste not waist. And he's the idiot? Nice work, Jill.

By Cecil 1

Dec 30, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Lets face the truth folks all of thoses elected people are totally useless, they never, never listen to the people that are paying the freight,US.

By ron

Dec 30, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Jill, apparently you are the idiot who has Dunnam and Anderson confused.... If you are talking about idiots look at Anderson! He is the most useless person that MA Taylor ever sent to Austin (Which is saying a lot since he has sent some pretty useless ones there....) Having had the privilege of knowing Dunnam and seeing the work he has done for many years, those of us with a brain in our heads would take him any day. His work, his dedication, and his support of his district is unequaled. As for going to Oklahoma, you republicans are still just mad because you weren't smart enough to figure out a way to slow down the Craddock idiocy and waste of taxpayer dollars since redistricting was not needed at that point....but was just another attempt to steal power at any cost.... you better be glad there are representatives like Jim Dunnam in the Texas House or we would all be in a BIGGER MESS!

By Papdadio

Dec 30, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Jill,

Simply put ý Youýre wrong!.

Representative Dunnam is an important and powerful voice for McLennan, Falls, Leon, Madison, and Robertson Counties. His advocacy on behalf of education, agriculture/environment, economic development, criminal justice, and civil liberties has resulted in significant legislation that has had a profoundly positive impact on District 57 and Texas at-large. Moreover, heýs been recognized as a top-ten legislator and legislative leader by his bi-partisan peers, community organizations, and the media throughout his tenure in the Texas Legislature. Quite frankly, Representative Dunnam has shouldered yeomanýs work for District 57 in the face of the incompetent and corrupt leadership of Speaker Craddick and his cabal of Republican cronies.

By Truth Be Told

Dec 30, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Slowly but surely, morality and just cause may persevere. DeLay got his... now Craddick and eventually Hutchison/Cornyn as far as Bill Hammond and the TAB may have to pay for maintaining an administration and majority party that is morally and ethically corrupt... otherwise, leaving their heads in the sand and be ignorant to the situation everyone else was able to ascertain.

BTW, as long as we have lobbyists that are willing to promote superficial parochial agendas and politicians are willing to accept what the public would be held accountable to as ethical conflicts, we fight an uphill battle. Call your State & U.S. representatives and fight for the elimination of lobbyists!!

By Jill

Dec 30, 2008 6:34 AM | Link to this

Do nothing Dunnam is a idiot. All he does is waist time while in Austin and if he does not get his way rant and rave like a child. Do us a favor Mr. Dunnam and resign so our legislators can go to Austin to work for the people and not your Dunnam do nothing platform or better, run back to Oklahoma like you have done in the past. Also Mr.Dunnam, why don't YOU live in the district you represent!!