It should come as no surprise that Christi Craddick's first run for political office has been a so-far-successful statewide campaign. Craddick, 42, is an Austin attorney who is the daughter of former House Speaker Tom Craddick of Midland and has long worked with some of the state's top political figures.
She won a July 31 primary runoff to become the Republican nominee for a spot on the Texas Railroad Commission, the state's primary regulator of the oil and gas industry.Besides her political contacts, she has experience in the industry through her law practice and her deep roots in Midland, in the heart of the oil-producing Permian Basin of West Texas.Craddick clearly favors policies to advance the oil and gas industry, calling it "among the primary drivers" of the Texas economy.She also has consumer-friendly stands, such as urging that the commission hold some meetings outside of Austin so it can be more accessible to the state's residents.And she says she wants to "balance the energy needs of the state with the constitutionally protected rights of private property owners."Pipeline safety and "harsh penalties for those who abuse our land, our resources and our people" are also on her agenda.Craddick's opponents in the Nov. 6 general election are Democrat Dale Henry, Libertarian Vik Wall and Green Party candidate Chris Kennedy.The Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommends Christi Craddick for the Texas Railroad Commission.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
