Here's a great example of the limits institutions place on democracy:
From the Chronicle:
While a new statewide poll shows that 86 percent of Texans believe the public should vote on whether to legalize casinos, an influential state Senate chairman with jurisdiction over gambling said Monday he has no intention of advancing the necessary legislation.
"There is no support in my committee," said state Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock. "I just don't think there are the votes in the Senate. I don't see any chance of passage."
Duncan's opposition signals almost insurmountable odds for the expansion of gambling in Texas, despite the industry's hopes that lawmakers would look favorably upon casinos this year as a solution to the state's fiscal crisis.
The story also illustrates the Lieutenant Governor's control over the committee system, and the impact that can have on legislation:
So far, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has referred all gambling resolutions and bills filed in the Texas Senate to the State Affairs Committee, which Duncan chairs.
His spokesman, Mike Walz, said Dewhurst also likely would refer all "stand-alone" gambling bills passed by the House to Duncan's committee. He noted that the issue could be attached to other significant legislation that traditionally is heard by other committees.
Duncan's opposition creates a huge hurdle for an industry that has geared up its lobbying effort to take advantage of a desperate search by state lawmakers for new revenue sources.
By sending gambling bill to Duncan's Committee, which is a hugely important one the the legislature, Dewhurst can kill the bills without putting his fingerprints on the weaponry.
More on Senator Duncan:
- Senate website.
- Texas Tribune.
- Duncan's quotes.
The Senate Committee on State Affairs
- Official website.
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