Newsroom

Texas Monthly releases list of ten best, worst lawmakers

Thursday, June 14, 2007
by Elise Hu
KVUE News

A list about to hit newsstands is already picking up a lot of buzz at the State Capitol. Texas Monthly magazine released its biennial list of the best and worst legislators of the session, which will soon be published in its July issue."I wouldn't call it popular, because it's controversial. But it's always well read," said Texas Monthly executive editor Evan Smith.Political writers Paul Burka and Patti Hart compiled the list after covering their tenth legislative session together."The list is real. If we weren't there, there would be a best and worst legislators in the members minds," said Burka.Burka and Hart weren't easy on the state's top leaders. The governor, lieutenant governor and House speaker all wound up on the worst list."That's what this session was about, was the failure, individually and collectively, of the leadership's ability to lead," said Smith.Williamson County State Senator Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, made the 10 best list. And Austin Senator Kirk Watson got a special nod with "Rookie of the Year"."Senator Watson just hit the ground running, [and] is very, very talented," said Hart.It's a list that ignites the Capitol community, as opinions on how each lawmaker performs during the session can differ widely."The phones ring," Smith said.But he says the aim of the list isn't to make an impact inside the Capitol. Instead, writers aim to inform readers.'"Giving people out there in the world information to base future decisions," Smith said.The Best and Worst Legislators for 2007, in alphabetical order:BestRep. Rafael Anchia, D-DallasSen. John Carona, R-DallasRep. Byron Cook, R-CoriscanaSen. Bob Deuell, R-GreenvilleRep. Scott Hochberg, D-HoustonRep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-BrenhamRep. Jerry Madden, R-RichardsonSen. Steve Ogden, R-BryanRep. Sylvester Turner, D-HoustonSen. Tommy Williams, R-The WoodlandsWorstRep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort WorthRep. Warren Chisum, R-PampaSpeaker Tom Craddick, R-MidlandLt. Gov David Dewhurst, RepublicanSen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe BayRep. Charlie Howard, R-Sugar LandSen. Eddie Lucio, D-BrownsvilleSen. Dan Patrick, R-HoustonGov. Rick Perry, RepublicanRep. Debbie Riddle, R-TomballRookie of the YearSen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin