#TXLEGE: Darby (completely predictably) preparing to stab Abbott in back....

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
1 Corinthians 15:33

Shot (Today):

As the 2019 legislative session in Texas fast approaches, behind the scenes the race for the next Speaker of the House is heating up, with growing reports that State Rep. Drew Darby (R–San Angelo) is gearing up to join the race.

Capitol sources suggest that Darby wanted to publicly join the race as early as February of this year, but has since decided to mount his campaign behind the scenes.

In February, Texas Scorecard reported that Darby sent campaign donations to a number of establishment colleagues, including several members opposed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Since then, Darby has reportedly been attempting to build goodwill with colleagues in both parties in an attempt to establish a coalition of Democrats and liberal Republicans to take the gavel in January.

Chaser (Last November):

AUSTIN, TX -- Governor Greg Abbott today announced his endorsement of State Representative Drew Darby for re-election. Darby is a sixth term incumbent, representing House District 72 which encompasses Coke, Concho, Glasscock, Howard, Irion, Reagan, Runnels, Sterling, and Tom Green Counties, an area larger than seven states.

“The next legislative session presents an opportunity to lower Texans’ property taxes, reform our broken school finance system, and further protect life,” said Governor Abbott. “As an experienced legislator, Representative Darby has a deep understanding of these issues and will play a key role in helping accomplish these goals. I am proud to endorse Representative Darby for re-election and urge the voters of House District 72 to join me in supporting him in the upcoming election.”

Of course, some of us predicted this at the time [Note: How funny is it that Darby removed the original Facebook post boasting about the Abbott endorsement].

Bottom Line: This was completely predictable, which is why we predicted it.