Following a meeting with Empower Texans CEO Michael Quinn Sullivan in which Speaker Dennis Bonnen insulted members of the House and offered press credentials in exchange for political targeting of specific Republican legislators, Bonnen sent a partial apology to Texas House members on Tuesday. Bonnen apologized for saying “terrible things” about his colleagues in the meeting but did not address his lies or his quid pro quo offer.
Shortly after, several Republican members, in a seemingly synchronized fashion, were quick to take to Twitter to accept the “apology” and urge members to move on.
Among those members are Republican State Reps. Jeff Leach (Allen), Craig Goldman (Fort Worth), Scott Sanford (McKinney), Matt Shaheen (Plano), Mayes Middleton (Wallisville), and others.
Grassroots citizens watching the events unfold, however, have not had the same reaction. Many have responded, holding lawmakers accountable on social media.
Given that Bonnen is a liar and conniver, we can wonder what promises are being made to elicit these statements. This is getting worse not better, for the Party. As more Members indulge this lying, misuse of office and public trust, the Party risks degrading itself beyond repair.
— Martin A. Harry (@MartinAHarry) August 6, 2019
After listening to the recording, I can’t be sure if this Speaker and Caucus Chair are working to keep a Republican majority in the House. Who knows what has been said to other groups. Would have a hard time accepting an apology that has a lie in the first paragraph.
— Teresa Beckmeyer (@TeresaBeckmeyer) August 7, 2019
How about we call for his resignation? #Bonnenneeds2resign The @TXGOPCaucus @GovAbbott & @DanPatrick could all come together on that.
— Wes Brumit (@dfwjwb) August 7, 2019
Speaker Bonner’s actions were immoral and very likely illegal. Nor is the apology sincere. Your forgiveness and support for him is disgusting. I live in your district and block walked for you, but I will be actively working to replace you now. #NoMorals
— Texas Compadre (@txcompadre) August 7, 2019
'humility', 'admits missteps', 'rebuild the trust'… No orchestration of responses going on here, is there? ???? Minions need to keep cribbing from each other's notes @leachfortexas , @DrewSpringer pic.twitter.com/lCvL4oo7fZ
— Michael Openshaw (@mopenshaw) August 6, 2019
Following Mike Openshaw’s comment, Leach attacked the Collin County grassroots leader, seemingly accusing him of being a habitual liar. That tweet has since been deleted.
At the time of publication, none of these members had taken up offers to listen to the recorded audio of the meeting.
