Dan Patrick Unleashes on ‘Selfish’ Republicans

The  Texas House of Representatives will finally vote on speaker. The vote comes after weeks of infighting over political stances and controversial negotiations. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) unloaded on “selfish, rogue House Republicans,” urging support for Texas Rep. David Cook (R).

Rep. Burrows has been lambasted by the top Republicans in the state as an ideological traitor.

In the latest comments concerning the controversial race, Lt. Governor Patrick continues to throw his weight behind Rep. Cook, warning that an “unholy alliance” of GOP members who are threatening to help steal the election from conservatives.

“We have 88 Republicans now,” the lt. governor explained during an interview with Texas Scorecard, noting that it should be simple to elect a house speaker. To be elected house speaker, you need 76 votes, but “there’s always 14 or 15 [Republicans] who just think they’re more important than the voters, more important than the rules.”

The House rules state that a lawmaker must receive two-thirds of the vote of members present to be considered the nominee.

“Dustin Burrows walked out when he couldn’t get two-thirds, and he left, and he never came back, and so right now it’s 57 for David Cook and 31 for Dustin Burrows,” lt. Governor Patrick explained.

“I don’t care who the speaker is. It doesn’t make any difference to me as long as they get elected… with the vast majority of Republicans and a few Democrats.”

The pushback against Rep. Burrows largely centers on his effort to appeal to a wide number of Democrats who will hopefully support his ambition. This, Republicans like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), argue shows that he is after power.

Attorney General Paxton launched a statewide tour earlier this week in support of Rep. Cook.