Dan Patrick Backs Stripping Powers From Successor

“Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) told a conservative radio host Monday that Republican lawmakers should strip the Democrat who defeated him of power as the state Senate president before she takes office,” the Washington Post reports.

“The lieutenant governor of Texas is powerful, unlike those in other states. The officeholder can write the budget, appoint committees and chairs, and set legislative priorities with the governor.”

“Texas GOP state senators can use their simple majority once they reconvene in January to transfer powers from Democrat Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin to a Republican majority leader.”