(Community Matters) Castro’s working up a critique of opponent Doggett
A reader commented on Herman’s column by noting Congressman Doggett’s effectiveness – but let’s get real . . . in 16 years, he’s passed 3 bills (and two of those were renaming federal buildings).
While I respect the Congressman’s tenacity and acknowledge his ability to fight doggedly, his inability to get along with others is why even his Democratic peers have never elected him to chair a major committee and why he hasn’t passed even one piece of major legislation during 16 years. The GOP has targeted Lloyd b/c he’s so disagreeable, not because he’s so effective. Admittedly, there are not enough examples of effective congressional representatives who can stand up for their party’s principles and effectively legislate but we need more of these, not to continue electing members from either side who put party over effective government.
In the last Texas legislative session, while Democrats offered hundreds of amendments to restore budget funding and were shot down, Democratic State Rep. Joaquin Castro passed two amendments to restore budget funding. Joaquin was able to muster enough R votes to restore $10mm to Communities in Schools and $13mm for rehabilitation services for brain injured Texans even while proudly serving as the House member known to carry Planned Parenthood’s legislation. Castro also served as vice chair for higher education committee and was a critical supporter of the University of Texas System. Ask any UT insider, Lloyd Doggett offers virtually no support for the University of Texas.
Joaquin has demonstrated an ability to call out & vote against bad policy while maintaining his ability to get things done even when the numbers are against our party. We need more of this in Washington, less political grandstanding.
Community Matters 