Needing Democratic support, Texas' secretary of state faces a rocky path to confirmation
The asshole nominated by Greg Abbott to be the new Texas Sec. of State has been working with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (who is under indictment for fraud) to try to suppress the vote. The nomination of the new Texas Sec. of State is getting to be a fun fight. https://www.texastribune.org/2019/02/06/david-whitley-could-face-tough-confirmation-texas-secretary-state/
Although Republicans hold 19 seats in the 31-seat upper chamber and can largely consider legislation without the say of any Democrat, Whitley needs a two-thirds vote among the senators present when the full Senate votes on his nomination. That means even with the votes of all of the Republicans, hell need at least some Democratic support unless several senators are gone the day of the vote.
Whether hell clear that hurdle remains a question. Democrats on the Nominations Committee say theyre heading into Thursdays hearing with a set of what are likely to be blistering questions about whether Whitley acted to suppress the votes of naturalized citizens.
There is very little about this that doesnt concern me everything from intent to what a reasonable person would do under these circumstances to flaws in the system, said state Sen. Kirk Watson, an Austin Democrat who serves as the vice chair of the committee.
Watson described Thursdays hearing as a very important step in the confirmation process. It will allow senators to question Whitley about a review of the voter rolls that has caused great concern justifiable concern about whether its an effort to infringe on peoples right to vote," Watson said.
These tweets make me happy