Perhaps no single Republican has done more damage to the Republican Party’s conservative agenda than Byron Cook of Corsicana.

Once considered a quiet backbencher, Cook has morphed into a card-carrying opponent of conservative causes. From his perch as chairman of the powerful State Affairs Committee and loyal henchman of House Speaker Joe Straus’ inner-circle, Cook has worked against pro-life priorities, attacked spending limits, tanked the governor’s ethics reforms, helped gay rights activists, and protected labor unions. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Cook considered giving driver’s licenses to illegal aliens “priority” legislation.

And that was just in 2015.

Cook is being challenged by local businessman Thomas McNutt. A high school football standout and former coach, McNutt is a vice president of his family’s successful chain of bakeries, which are based in Corsicana. We’ve enthusiastically endorsed McNutt.

What To Wait For: Byron Cook’s inevitable meltdown, which will include threatening constituents who have McNutt bumper stickers or yard signs. Byron is a bully, and he doesn’t hide it well.

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

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