In June, Texas state House Speaker Dennis Bonnen had a meeting with far-right conservative activist Michael Quinn Sullivan. In July, Sullivan revealed that the meeting had happened. He also alleged that Bonnen had asked him to help win in 2020, offering Sullivan’s media organization access to the lower chambers of the state House if Sullivan would help oust 10 Republican state officials. Sullivan threatened to release an audio recording he made of the meeting, and Texas Rangers were asked to open an investigation into the alleged bit of corruption. Speaker Bonnen has maintained he is innocent of any crimes and called for Sullivan to release the audio for the last few months.
Sullivan, for his part, said he was wary of releasing the audio for fear it would hurt Republicans running this November. On October 15, Sullivan released a recording of the secret meeting, allowing Bonnen’s own words to sink him. Besides Bonnen’s clear quid pro quo offer, he also can be heard disparaging both Republicans and Democratic members of the legislature.
Bonnen also made derogatory statements about North Texas Democratic Reps. Ana-Maria Ramos and Michelle Beckley and Houston Rep. Jon Rosenthal during the meeting.
He said that Rosenthal is a “piece of [expletive],” and that Bonnen’s chief of staff, Gavin Massingill, said, “His wife is going to be really pissed when she learns he’s gay.” He calls Beckley “vile” and Ramos “awful.”
Classy stuff. There have been alternate calls for Speaker Bonnen to resign and at least not seek reelection. Democratic state Rep. Mary González told the Texas Tribune that “I think he should consider everything. Maybe resigning, maybe saying he’s not going to run for speaker. Nothing should be off the table during the time of crisis.”
Thursday, Oct 24, 2019 · 3:01:19 PM +00:00
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Walter Einenkel
According to the Texas Tribune, Speaker Bonnen will not face any criminal charges.
"As repugnant as Speaker Bonnen's actions and statements are," Brazoria County District Attorney Jeri Yenne said in a statement, "I do not believe there is sufficient evidence from the June 12, 2019 meeting to warrant a criminal prosecution of Speaker Bonnen for Bribery or Solicitation of a Gift by a Public Servant, therefore no criminal charges will be brought."
I guess unfettered access to a business that charges a premium for unfettered access isn’t considered a bribe.
On Monday it was reported that five senior members of the state’s Republican House announced that they could no longer support Bonnen. State Reps. Four Price, Dan Huberty, Lyle Larson, Chris Paddie and John Frullo released a statement saying “As long-serving members of the Texas House, we informed Speaker Bonnen earlier today that we no longer support him as our Speaker.”
On Tuesday, Bonnen announced that he would not seek reelection in 2020. This would mark the first time in 22 years.
“After much prayer, consultation, and thoughtful consideration with my family, it is clear that I can no longer seek re-election as State Representative of District 25, and subsequently, as Speaker of the House,” Bonnen, who is from Angleton, said in a statement, which included a list of 43 House Republicans — a majority of the House GOP Caucus — that the speaker said "have made clear that it is in the best interest of both myself and the House to move on."
Much of these backroom shenanigans have been driven by the anxiety Republicans feel since last November’s blue wave elections. Cracks inside of the GOP seems to have led Bonnen’s move to rig the deck. Of course, he also has a president who leads by corrupt example.
If you want to donate to upcoming Democratic candidates trying to flip some of those Texas seats blue, head on over here and get it done.