Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick apparently isn’t quite ready to accept that losing an election means giving up the power that comes with the office. After Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated him by nearly 600,000 votes, Patrick is now encouraging Republican state senators to strip his successor of much of her authority before she even takes office, The Washington Post reports.
Speaking to conservative radio host Mark Davis, Patrick acknowledged that Goodwin won the election fair and square. But apparently, respecting the voters’ decision somehow doesn’t necessarily mean respecting what that decision entitles the winner to do.
Patrick wants the Republican-controlled Texas Senate to modify its rules and transfer much of the lieutenant governor’s authority to a Republican majority leader. That would leave Goodwin with the title of lieutenant governor while conceivably depriving her of some of the most important responsibilities attached to the position.
And those aren’t minor responsibilities. Texas’ lieutenant governor wields considerable influence over the legislative process, including appointing committee chairs, determining which bills advance, and helping shape the state budget.
Republicans currently hold a 19-12 majority in the Senate, giving them enough votes to change the chamber’s rules without Democratic support.
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