Now that the Election is over, the Texas House is all set. But the race for Speaker is still up in the air. At least for now, as the face off continues between incumbent Dade Phelan, and challenger David Cook.
"Dade Phelan is less likely to be the Speaker, than he is to remain in his chair" said political commentator and host, Luke Macias, "The odds are definitely stacked against him at this time."
If you recall, during the last legislative session, Phelan partnered with Democrats to destroy much of Republicans conservative agenda. It turned out to be a costly mistake for 15 so-called Republicans who backed Phelan. They all lost their seats, which is why Cook is now considered to be the favorite to replace Phelan.
"On December 7th, the Republican Caucus is going to get together, and if 53 Republicans choose somebody other than Dade Phelan, then David Cook would then have the caucus endorsement" Macias told KTRH, "This would make it even harder for Dade to keep his coalition together."
Right now, Cook already has 47 votes from fellow GOP members, meaning he only needs six more vote to secure the nomination.
"At this point, I definitely feel very strong and confident that the reformers are building a winning coalition" noted Macias.