Death To The Republican Caucus

The self-destruction of Texas' right wing.

While Texas Republicans remain in complete disarray, most of us have been left believing that we would have to wait until the 89th Legislature to see blood. However, fights over leadership this last weekend proved us all wrong.

Yesterday, Harris County Republican Representative Briscoe Cain asked, “Should the Texas House GOP Caucus be dissolved?”

I answered the poll, “It’s useless,” because the House GOP Caucus is useless, but if the in-fighting among Republicans has gotten so bad that they are going to dissolve their entire caucus, I say let them. It will only help Democrats in the long run.

How did this come about?

The GOP House Caucus leadership currently has Representative Craig Goldman as chair and Representative Tom Oliverson as Vice Chair.

Over the weekend, rumors swirled that Craig Goldman plans to step down because he’s running for Congress. And while the natural order of progression would mean the Vice Chair, Tom Oliverson, stepping up to that role, there have also been rumors of him stepping down to run for House Speaker.

Oliverson denies those rumors while claiming that his Republican peers were bullying him.

Oliverson positions himself to gain power over the Republican House Caucus and, later, the entire House. Has he gone mad with power? It’s entirely possible, but some Republicans don’t seem to believe that Oliverson is their only option.

Jared Patterson once called 58% of all Texans “evil.” Patterson spends regular time with domestic terrorists, whom he encourages to harass and assault people who don’t share their ideals.

Jared Patterson is so full of hatred toward his fellow Texans and regularly embraces taking away civil rights from marginalized communities. One would think that would make him a perfect Republican.

However, Patterson is friends with Phelan. According to Republicans, that makes him a Democrat.

Wtf are they talking about?

Adulterer Representative Cole Hefner finally steps up with a bit of truth.

East Texas Republican Cole Hefner is mainly known for two reasons: cheating on his wife, who bore him eight children, with his co-worker, who he let peg him. And for pushing the bill to let unlicensed clergy in Texas public schools replace guidance counselors.

Over the weekend, Hefner called Representative Steve Toth out on his lies about the House rules.

For the record, Steve Toth is incapable of telling the truth.

In the Texas House of Representatives, the full body votes on the rules at the beginning of each session. These rules include how bills are written and how debates are conducted. House Republicans know this. Yet, many blame Speaker Dade Phelan for “allowing Democrats to kill bills” when both Phelan and Democrats followed the rules.

Republicans expected Phelan to break the rules and allow legislation through even when the bill was objected to for valid reasons, as laid out in the rules they all voted on.

Republicans in the House know this and understand the process. Yet, the Tim Dunn crew constantly lies about the process and blames Dade Phelan and Democrats because they know their base will believe anything they say, whether it’s true or not.

The absurdity of it all cannot be understated.

In 2024, this is who the Republican Party is: lies and hatred. They lie to get what they want. Unfortunately, many who have spent the last several years enabling the lies now find themselves the target.

What goes around, comes around.

Briscoe Cain was right. The Texas House Republican Caucus should be dissolved. How will Republicans get on the same page and agree on policy development and strategy?

The Republican Party of Texas is deeply broken, and as long as Ken Paxton and sycophants are leading it, that won’t change.

Ken Paxton wants to destroy the House Republicans for attempting to hold him accountable. Dan Patrick wants to destroy House Republicans for not taking a more authoritarian approach in a purple state.

They’ll only destroy themselves. It will be slow and painful for many of them, but it will be deliciously entertaining for us.

The Republican Party of Texas State Convention is only a month away. Plan for it to be chaotic. Perhaps we’ll even see violence break out.

What should House Democrats and House Democratic candidates do?

Democrats should absolutely capitalize on the GOP disarray. By presenting a united front and a coherent policy agenda, Democrats can contrast their stability with their opponents’ infighting. Democrats should focus on critical issues like healthcare, education, jobs, and the economy. By framing these issues as top priorities and showing how Democratic policies will address them, candidates can engage with voters who may feel alienated by the Republican infighting.

The division within the Republican Party will disillusion moderate GOP voters, independents, and those who are undecided. Democrats should seize this opportunity to reach out to these groups, offering a welcoming and inclusive alternative.

A focused communication strategy emphasizing the dysfunction of the Republicans and offering clear, positive Democratic alternatives can win over voters seeking effective governance. Utilizing social media, local news, town halls, and debates is crucial to communicate their message.

Pointing to successes achieved by Democrats can help illustrate the effectiveness of Democratic leadership. This positive messaging should highlight past accomplishments and future policy goals. With Republicans distracted by internal issues, Democrats should bolster their fundraising efforts to ensure they have the resources necessary for a strong campaign.

Above all, Democrats must demonstrate their unity and commitment to working for all Texans. A message of solidarity and collective action can be a powerful antidote to the perception of a divided Republican Caucus.

The chaos within the GOP is not just a skirmish over leadership – it's a narrative that underscores the need for change, and Democrats are poised to be the authors of that next chapter.

Important 2024 primary RUNOFF election days:

• April 29, 2024: Last day to register to vote.

• May 17, 2024: Last day to apply by mail

• May 20, 2024: First day of early voting.

• May 24, 2024: Last day of early voting.

• May 28, 2024: Last day to receive a ballot by mail.

• May 28, 2024: Election day.

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