Texas Legislative Hold 'Em

As the Texas legislature attempted to wind down this year's session, an attempt to oust House speaker Tom Craddick resulted in a walkout early this morning that left the body unable to complete action on some outstanding bills due to the lack of a quorum. Craddick, a Republican who is facing bipartisan opposition partly because of his allegedly heavy handed tactics, refused to recognize members wanting to bring the speakership to a vote. About 40 members opposed to Craddick subsequently left the House.

An acquaintance in attendance at Sunday's session told The Oracle that he saw two angry exchanges between members nearly erupt into fistfights.