#TXLEGE: So it's Bonnen....

"Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old."
Isaiah 43:18

This afternoon, Dennis Bonnen announced he has the votes to be the next speaker:

Dennis Bonnen speaker pledges by on Scribd

It's tough to know what to make of this (besides, obviously, the fact that there's NOTHING anyone can do about it).

On the one hand, Bonnen was the least bad person with a realistic chance.  He's on the record supporting the Governor's property tax plan.  He's known at the Capitol for having a good relationship with the Governor.  As Empower Texas points out, someone with an inconsistent record might be better than someone who's consistently bad.

On the other hand, he's Dennis Bonnen.

One interesting tidbit: Neither Donna Howard nor Celia Israel were on Bonnen's list.  Neither were any of the Hays/Travis/WillCo D's who flipped seats last Tuesday.  That might create an interesting dynamic on local bills.  (Note: Eddie Rodriguez and Sheryl Cole were on Bonnen's list.)

Bottom Line: Regardless of the speaker's identity, this is going to be a very challenging session....