In light of Rep. Chuck Hopson’s intention to switch from the Democratic party to the GOP, the TDP has come out with some harsh words against the member:

“It takes strength and integrity to stand against the special interests – and while some members have that strength, others like Chuck Hopson, apparently do not,” said Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie. “In the Democratic Party, there is room for members who are conservative and progressive – the only reason anyone would leave is for crass political reasons and a refusal to stand up to special interests.” 

Richie is holding a press conference today to speak out more against the switch.

Although we’ve been receiving campaign contribution requests for months, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is “formally” announcing her run for Texas Governor this week. Today, she started out in La Marque, goes to Houston and San Antonio today before arriving in the Capitol city. If you’re curious about what she has to say, fear not - she released a video last night that touches on the points she plans to make.

Those points include:

-Better schools

-Lower property taxes

-Toll road “land grabs”

-TX unemployment rate

Not to be outdone, Gov. Perry’s campaign spokesperson, Mark Miner has already responded to Hutchison’s claims and her political history.

If you’re looking for a lighter side to Tom Delay, check out ABC’s next season of “Dancing with the Stars.” Apparently, the fallen Texas lawmaker has a penchant for two-stepping and doesn’t mind proving it to the nation.

According to the Wall Street Journal, “The Texan, who built a reputation out of twisting arms, joins Donny Osmond, actors Melissa Joan Hart, Debi Mazar, model Kathy Ireland, reality TV star Kelly Osbourne and former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, among others.”

Tom Delay’s “cast picture” on the Dancing with the Stars website.

After breaking his collarbone in a cycling accident, Gov. Perry returned from the hospital to a gift.. a set of training wheels. He included a note saying, “Sorry you got hurt. Too bad they don’t make training wheels for a legislative session.” He was referring the need for a special session, after the legislature failed to pass a bill that would reauthorize state agencies like TxDOT.

If you didn’t get enough of the Legislature in the 140 days allotted, then get ready for another 30 days when the Governor calls all of the lawmakers back to town sometime this summer. He said it is to address the authorization of state agencies, but he has full power to bring back any legislation he wishes. He said at this time it wouldn’t be good strategy to give that away..

Perry revealed his t.v. watching habits during a press conference on the legislative session. When asked if he thinks Senators were forcing a special session by not taking up a HCR that would provide a safety net for state agencies, he said he had no idea what their strategy was. “I felt like I was watching an episode of Lost,” he said.

As far as the possibility of a special session, he gave the predictable answer: he won’t know if he needs to call one until the dust settles, he goes through the bills passed and talks to the agencies involved in the safety net bill. He did not, however, rule out the possibility of bringing the voter ID bill back to life if he does indeed call lawmakers back to Austin.

Word has it a bipartisan group of House members worked out a deal to pass the sunset safety bill and avoid a special session without having to suspend the rules. It is going to come in under a technical correction (in some shape or form) from the Senate so it will only take a majority vote and not a 2/3rds vote to suspend the rules and bring it up.

Apparently, 70 year old Rep. Joe Crabbe has a strong spiritual and … err…physical relationship with his wife. They have, in fact, “celebrated” their marriage (which has lasted more than 40 years) in every state but one, North Dakota. So, today the House presented him with round trip tickets (private money used) to North Dakota. His wife can now color in EVERY state on their map of the great ole’ U.S.A.

It looks like Session ‘09 In-Depth made some alliances…namely my two frequent guest panel members: Republican consultant Ted Delisi and Democratic consultant Harold Cook.

They put out a list of the 10 best legislators…and spiced it up a bit. Delisi rated the best Democrats and Cook rated the best Republicans.

The reason:

This cross-partisan ten best legislators list started as a conversation between Republican consultant Ted Delisi and me - we wondered what would happen, in choosing legislative standouts, if a Republican judged the Democrats, and a Democrat judged the Republicans. Plus, why the hell should Texas Monthly have all the fun?

Rep. Edmund Kuempel made an appearance for Sine Die at the State Capitol today. He looks a lot thinner but in good spirits. When asked how much weight he has lost, he said about 18 pounds…”but I wouldn’t recommend this as a diet to anyone.”

He says he’s been watching some of the House activity from his hospital room, but with all the “ugliness” of the past few days - he figured physical therapy is a better use of his time.

He seemed as cheerful as ever though, happily greeted his colleagues, cracked a few jokes and said he misses his friends. “There’s nothing that matters more in life than your friends.”

Words to remember.