Now that the Senate passed the Voter ID bill all eyes are intently focused on the House where most spectators are anticipating a tough fight.
This is the first major piece of legislation that has passed either chamber and its a good thing because this issue tops the list of items that are important to Texans.
Earlier this week the University of Texas released a poll showing that 69 percent of Texans support requiring voters to show photo identification before they can cast their ballot. Those polled were split fairly evenly between Republicans and Democrats which means that a sizeable number of Democrats also want to see Voter ID legislation passed in Texas.
Historically speaking this issue has been heavily partisan. Last session the House passed Voter ID 76-69-2. All Republicans voted for the bill all Democrats voted against it. The Senate failed to pass it.
Early this session the Lieutenant Governor quickly made it his signature issue by leading the Senate to adopt a rules change allowing the chamber to take a vote on Voter ID. Prior to this change the Democrats would have been able to block it with a filibuster.
Tuesday the Senate passed the bill 19-12 with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting against. Now it is up to the House to move it forward.
With the House made up of nearly even numbers of Republicans and Democrats a vote on this issue will be close.
Earlier this session widespread buzz around the capitol indicated that Speaker Straus promised Democrats he would not bring Voter ID to the floor. However the Senates quick passage of the bill puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the House leadership to carry it through for a vote.
Though at first blush Voter ID is a core issue for the Democrat Party its a delicate one for rural Democrats whose districts are trending more conservative. There are more or less 10 Democrats whose support for - or opposition to - the bill could be significant in the next election cycle.
Rural Democrats who vote against Voter ID face the possibility of serious fallout in their districts where the majority of Texans support its passage. It gives opponents an excellent issue on which to run.
Conversely a vote in favor of Voter ID is almost certain death in their party which would likely run a more liberal candidate against them in the primary.
More likely than not if Voter ID makes it to the House floor the vote will turn out as it always has: straight down party lines. It will be close and all legislators will surely be present for the vote. Nevertheless if rural Democrats are smart they will thoughtfully gauge their constituents position on this issue.
With the recent economic crisis and depending upon the success of the current administration November 2010 could shape up to be triumphant for Republicans at the polls and important votes such as this one could make or break a candidates chances at re-election.
Now that the Senate passed the Voter ID bill all eyes are intently focused on the House where most spectators are anticipating a tough fight.
This is the first major piece of legislation that has passed either chamber and its a good thing because this issue tops the list of items that are important to Texans.
Earlier this week the University of Texas released a poll showing that 69 percent of Texans support requiring voters to show photo identification before they can cast their ballot. Those polled were split fairly evenly between Republicans and Democrats which means that a sizeable number of Democrats also want to see Voter ID legislation passed in Texas.
Historically speaking this issue has been heavily partisan. Last session the House passed Voter ID 76-69-2. All Republicans voted for the bill all Democrats voted against it. The Senate failed to pass it.
Early this session the Lieutenant Governor quickly made it his signature issue by leading the Senate to adopt a rules change allowing the chamber to take a vote on Voter ID. Prior to this change the Democrats would have been able to block it with a filibuster.
Tuesday the Senate passed the bill 19-12 with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting against. Now it is up to the House to move it forward.
With the House made up of nearly even numbers of Republicans and Democrats a vote on this issue will be close.
Earlier this session widespread buzz around the capitol indicated that Speaker Straus promised Democrats he would not bring Voter ID to the floor. However the Senates quick passage of the bill puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the House leadership to carry it through for a vote.
Though at first blush Voter ID is a core issue for the Democrat Party its a delicate one for rural Democrats whose districts are trending more conservative. There are more or less 10 Democrats whose support for - or opposition to - the bill could be significant in the next election cycle.
Rural Democrats who vote against Voter ID face the possibility of serious fallout in their districts where the majority of Texans support its passage. It gives opponents an excellent issue on which to run.
Conversely a vote in favor of Voter ID is almost certain death in their party which would likely run a more liberal candidate against them in the primary.
More likely than not if Voter ID makes it to the House floor the vote will turn out as it always has: straight down party lines. It will be close and all legislators will surely be present for the vote. Nevertheless if rural Democrats are smart they will thoughtfully gauge their constituents position on this issue.
With the recent economic crisis and depending upon the success of the current administration November 2010 could shape up to be triumphant for Republicans at the polls and important votes such as this one could make or break a candidates chances at re-election.
