Breaking News….
Bill Dingus, the democrat challenger to Speaker Tom Craddick in the Midland based House District, has been ruled an eligible candidate for this November, despite flirting with the state’s resign to run laws. And in a related story…no one really cares.
Ok, perhaps I care a little. After all, I am posting this. But after previously posting that Mr. Dingus had been kicked off the ballot by a federal Judge in Waco, the prudent thing to do was to let you know that District Judge Margaret Cooper reversed that ruling on an appeal. In placing Mr. Dingus back on the ballot, Judge Cooper ruled that since Mr. Dingus’ service to the Midland City Council will be long over before he were to be sworn in as a State Representative (should he win), there’s no cause for concern here.
So what promise does this bring for those hoping to rip the gavel away from Speaker Craddick? Very…very…little. The Speaker’s House District is one of the most Republican districts in the state. He has more money in the bank than he knows what to do with. And from what I hear, Bill Dingus has trouble filling a room full of Democrat supporters even when he’s hanging out in liberal Austin.
Even if a perfect storm were to blow in come November, Mr. Dingus would still be short some very incriminating photos of Speaker Craddick in having what it would take to knock off the sitting Speaker.
I really don’t mean to rain on Mr. Dingus’ parade, this being his big day and all. But despite his place on the ballot now secure, I don’t see either side putting this race on their watch lists.