Free Republic

A San Antonio-area lawmaker has filed a bill to kill the Trans-Texas Corridor. State Rep. David Leibowitz, D-Helotes, told Waco-based KWTX that the massive toll road project would “destroy rural Texas as we know it.” State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, whose district includes Ellis and Hill counties, both of which would be impacted by the proposed toll road, said he would be supportive of the measure. “I support efforts to get more control over TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) and the Trans-Texas Corridor,” Pitts said. “The Trans-Texas Corridor will have enormous effects on this area and the people who live...

AUSTIN — Tom Craddick's bid to remain House speaker appeared increasingly uncertain Thursday with the announcement by a once-trusted member of his leadership team that he would oppose Craddick in what suddenly has become a three-way race among Republicans. Jim Pitts, 59, the affable Republican from Waxahachie whom Craddick appointed to chair the influential Appropriations Committee in 2004, said he decided to challenge the 63-year-old speaker from Midland because he is convinced he can win. While refusing to name names or discuss precise numbers, Pitts said at an afternoon news conference that he'd done the math and, unlike either of...