Journal of the House of Representatives of the Regular Session of the Seventy-Ninth Legislature of the State of Texas, Volume 1 Page: 13
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Thank you, Mr. Secretary, members, distinguished guests, family, and
friends. I am honored today to stand before you to second the nomination of a
man, who over the past several years, I have come to know well. A man of
character, a man of integrity, a man of compassion, and most importantly, a man
of understanding. My good friend, Tom Craddick.
Ever since being elected in 1968, Tom understood that just like you and I, he
is one of 150 members in the Texas House sent here to represent the people of his
district and, on a much grander scale, the people of Texas. And by the people of
Texas, I do not mean just the ones who voted for him, or the ones who share his
position on certain issues. I mean the people of Texas as a whole.
As all of you know, we each have an "R" or a "D" beside our name in the
Capitol directory, but Tom understands that this letter is not what defines a
member, and, more importantly, he understands that these letters are not what
define the Texas House. He knows that the Texas House is made up of men,
women, mothers, fathers, doctors, small business owners, farmers, and yes, even
a couple of lawyers. He understands that we come from different backgrounds,
different parts of the state, and different philosophies, but that the one thing we all
have in common is that we are all Texans. And while we may not agree on every
issue, Tom knows that every member in this chamber, Republican or Democrat, is
here because they want to do what is best for their constituents and what is best
for the future of Texas.
Tom also understands that Texas is a rapidly changing state, and that
nowhere are those changes more reflected than in this chamber. When you look at
the composites on the walls, you will notice a difference in the pictures from
when Tom first began his career. You will notice that this body is becoming as
diverse as our great state. And if you look back to the Seventy-Eighth
Legislature, you will remember that Tom understood the importance of this
diversity. You will recall that last session, Tom appointed more women and more
minority members, both Republicans and Democrats, to chair house committees
than at any point in the state's history. He made those appointments because he
understands that the ability to get the job done right for the people of Texas is
more important than party affiliation, gender, or ethnicity.
And lastly, Tom understands that he did not get to where he is today by
himself. His exceptional wife, Nadine, his wonderful children, Christi and
Tommy, and now, the newest addition, Laura, have been there by his side all
along, just as they are today, and just as they will be for you if ever you need
them. I can tell you this, when I have been here in Austin away from my family,
the Craddicks have always graciously invited me to be a part of theirs.
In closing, I will only reiterate that it is Tom's understanding of people, this
institution, and the issues of Texas that have inspired the people of Midland to
send him to Austin 18 times, and it is his understanding during that time in office
that has elevated him to the leader who I will support to guide this body
throughout the Seventy-Ninth Legislative Session.
Secretary Connor recognized the Honorable Allan Ritter of Jefferson
County, who seconded the nomination of the Honorable Tom Craddick, speaking
as follows:Tuesday, January 11, 2005 HOUSE JOURNAL
1st Day 13
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Texas. Legislature. House of Representatives. Journal of the House of Representatives of the Regular Session of the Seventy-Ninth Legislature of the State of Texas, Volume 1, legislative document, 2005; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth97462/m1/17/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.