They, Robot

Via Quorum Report:

Rep. Smith [R-Euless] tells Quorum Report that he called [Republican Party of Texas] executive director Jeff Fisher inquiring about the poll and was informed that it was intended to gather information in case of a Democratic challenge in the general election.

"I can't be any blunter than to say without any doubt whatsoever that Jeff Fisher lied to my face. He told me that the purpose of that poll was to help me should I have a Democratic opponent in a general election. If the RPT is spending money to take a poll to help me in a general election in my district then the responsible party should be terminated for incompetence.

Smith's district is unwinnable for a Democrat. David Dewhurst beat John Sharp with 65.5% of the vote.

Through the RPT receptionist, Fisher told QR he had no response.

There is much speculation for whom the RPT is harvesting information. One theme is that it is for some entity sponsored by voucher proponent Jim Leininger of San Antonio.

However Smith said, "I didn't vote against vouchers. I want to know who's creating the list of witches and on what basis do they create the list."

"This is the robotization of the Republican Party. If you are not prepared to read off of a pre-approved script, you need not apply."

On the one hand, I do have an ounce of genuine sympathy for Todd Smith. Sure, he's on the wrong team, politically. But he's also the lone State Rep in the lege from Trinity High School, a fact which I take a bit of pride in. Smith has also shown an independent streak that indicates he clearly places his district above party loyalty. In fact, several of the more tolerable sorts the other side sends to Austin can be located from the DFW region.

But on the other hand, I've just got to take a step back from the situation and ask with all seriousness, what Todd Smith thought he was in for. And that line about needing help if he's got a Dem challenger? Puhleeze. This sort of behavior ought to surprise nobody as the 'Tammany Wing' of the Texas GOP has been steadily consolidating their hegemony since 2000.

Now, if Todd Smith wants to flirt with crossing the aisle, I'm pretty sure he'd have no problem with the move ... or even in getting re-elected. Just an idea ;-)