Political People and their Moves

Texas Monthly’s list of 10 best and 10 worst legislators is out. Start the argument:

Best: Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen; Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth; Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock; Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio; Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie; Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio; Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio; Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands.

Worst: Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth; Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas; Comptroller Susan Combs; Rep. Naomi Gonzalez, D-El Paso; Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, R-Kerrville; Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston; Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston; Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City; Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano.

Bull of the Brazos: Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston.

Honorable mentions: Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo; Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin; Kirk Watson, D-Austin; Rep. John Zerwas, R-Simonton.

Dishonorable mentions: Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview; Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands.

Furniture: Rep. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio; Rep. Stephanie Klick, R-Fort Worth; Rep. George Lavender, R-Texarkana; Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso.

Caution, elections ahead

  • Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, says he will seek reelection.
  • Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, says she will seek reelection.

Deaths: Houston construction exec and Texans for Lawsuit Reform co-founder Leo Linbeck Jr., who was also an outspoken advocate for replacing federal income taxes with a national sales tax. He was 78.