A new question is emerging about the 2012 Republican primaries: What happens if both Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst win their bids for higher office?
Perry is leading in polls for next year's Republican presidential nomination. If he goes on to defeat President Barack Obama and Dewhurst wins the race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, two statewide officeholders would have to be replaced simultaneously.Under such a scenario, the Senate may pick both the next governor and lieutenant governor. Though Republicans are widely expected to hold onto their strong majority in the Texas Senate next year, some conservatives are worried that the chamber's Democrats may be the swing vote in deciding who would temporarily take over the state's two top leadership posts if Republicans' votes are divided."While I work well with my colleagues across the aisle and I respect them, I don't want them picking the next lieutenant governor or governor," said Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston.The Texas Constitution allows senators to elect an interim lieutenant governor among their own when needed. Since one duty of the lieutenant governor is to assume the position of governor if that post is vacant, the senate's first pick could become the new governor if Perry has relinquished the post, prompting the need for senators to elect a second interim lieutenant governor.Patrick recently started speaking with Republican senators about pledging to participate in a Republican-only caucus that would hold vote after vote until consensus candidates emerge."I hope all 19 Republicans and everyone running will make that commitment: 'Yes, we will vote as a caucus,'" Patrick said. "I don't think the people of Texas ... are going to sit by quietly and see the next lieutenant governor or governor selected by potentially 12 Democrats and four Republicans or any combination."Patrick said he's spoken with several senators and most have been receptive to his pledge. "They understand what's at stake," Patrick said.Eleven years ago, Gov. George W. Bush's candidacy for president set off months of jockeying by senators interested in replacing Perry, then lieutenant governor, if Bush left for the White House and Perry became governor. The Senate, made up of 16 Republicans and 15 Democrats at the time, arranged to vote by secret ballot. Mount Pleasant Republican Bill Ratliff won after six rounds.If the situation comes up again, Sen. Chris Harris, R-Arlington, "fully supports electing a Republican chosen by a majority of Senate Republicans," spokeswoman Kristen Webb said.Rep. Rodney Anderson, R-Grand Prairie, who recently confirmed plans to challenge Harris in next year's primary, would agree to caucus with Republicans to decide on interim statewide officials, spokesman Corbin Casteel said.Rep. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, is running for the seat held by Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth. Several other Republicans are thinking about joining that race."As far as Senate selections, if Hancock is fortunate enough to be elected, he will support conservative candidates for lieutenant governor and governor if the opportunity arises," said Craig Murphy, Hancock's campaign spokesman. "He will gather input from his district's voters and other GOP senators about what process is best to achieve that goal."The latest calls for a party caucus vote echo what House Republicans faced last year ahead of the vote for Texas House speaker. Conservative activists pushed Republican state representatives to agree to a caucus vote in hopes that it would weaken support for House Speaker Joe Straus. House Republicans ultimately held a nonbinding caucus vote that Straus won.Aman Batheja, 817-390-7695
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