With the retirement of one liberal Republican state representative looming, a Democrat running to fill his spot is already fawning over Speaker Joe Straus and his record.
James Talarico, a democrat running to replace former State Rep. Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock) in House District 52 posted a video in the early weeks of his campaign, thanking Larry Gonzales for his politics and for modeling himself after Joe Straus.
In the video, which runs a little over four minutes, Talarico describes himself as a “proud Democrat” and expresses his desire to “support Speaker Straus” and his agenda. In particular he states that if elected he will vote for another term for Speaker Straus.
While the video is only of Talarico talking about his desired actions should he be elected, the self-proclaimed proud Democrat’s adoration for the politics of Speaker Straus is a referendum on how Straus and his cronies ideologically line up. The big-government agenda of the leadership of the Texas House always seems to be fully supported by Democrats, to the point where they now feel comfortable enough to campaign on it.
Straus became the Speaker of the Texas House on an overthrow backed by a majority of Democrats in the House, and has had their votes in his re-elections bids ever since.
