YELLOW DOG JOURNALISM:

A Comprehensive Review of the Work and People Behind Monthly’s 34 Years of Reviews of the Ten Best and Ten Worst State Legislators

by

Gina Parker Ford, J.D.

Copies of this report can be obtained at:

www.ginaparker.net Thirty-four years ago, Texas Monthly magazine began publishing a bi-annual ―Ten Best and Ten Worst‖ article on Texas State legislators. It has become a much anticipated review by political insiders in Austin and die-hard politicos across the State. The magazine stated in its July 1975 edition the following as the basis for evaluation and judging the performance of Texas legislators:

In choosing the best and worst legislators, we avoided any consideration of their political philosophy. The test of a good member—or a bad one—should be the same whether a person is conservative or liberal. A good legislator is intelligent, hard working, well prepared, and accessible to reason; because of these qualities, he is respected by his colleagues and effective in debate. He uses power skillfully but does not abuse it; he is admired, rather than mistrusted, for his strategic ability. As an adversary he is viewed not with fear but with healthy respect.

But a comprehensive review of the 34 year history of the ―Ten Best and Ten Worst List‖ shows the lists never really met their own lofty goal. Distinct patterns of bias and prejudice against Hispanics, Conservatives, Republicans, and Women and Black members of the Legislature are easily apparent. Conservatives and Hispanics often dominate the ―Worst List‖ and can be twice as likely to make the ―Ten Worst List‖ as compared to the ―Ten Best.‖

The most likely profile of a candidate for ―Ten Best‖ is white, urban, liberal, male, and Democrat.

Even though Texas Monthly has stated consistently over the years that the list is about the legislative process and an understanding of both how the system works and how effectively legislators operate within it, a review of both facts and the commentaries in the 34 write-ups of each list over the years indicates otherwise.

An initial example: Paul Burka, 65, the Texas Monthly Senior Editor who has written part of each of the 17 articles  beginning with the first in 1973, never once disclosed to readers his association and affiliation with former liberal State Senator A.R. ―Babe‖ Schwartz of Galveston. Burka, also a native of Galveston, was an employee of Schwartz in the Senate in the early 1970s. Schwartz appeared on the ―Ten Best List‖ four consecutive times (1973-79) before being defeated for re-election in 1980.

Racial Insensitivity

Even more disturbing are the comments made about minority legislators in various articles over the years. The following sampling of comments indicates a pattern that denigrates the intellect and ethics of Hispanic and Black members, accusing them of personal prejudices far beyond those by which Anglo members were accused of.

2 Year Member Texas Monthly Comment

1973 Lindsey Rodriguez ―…actually works at being dumb…‖ ―He wants everyone to be as stupid as he is.‖

1973 Henry Sanchez ―…he is not smart enough to be a threat to the established Brownsville interests.‖

1975 G.J. Sutton ―…wears natty brown suits.‖

1977 Clay Smothers ―…a black Archie Bunker…‖

1979 Arnold Gonzales ―The Archetypal Legislative Cockroach…‖ ―…best evidence that education doesn‘t equal intelligence.‖ ―Combination of arrogance and stupidity…‖

1981 Lanell Cofer ―just plain dumb,‖ then referred to her legislative activities as ―monkeyshines.‖

1981 Sam Hudson Claimed Hudson didn‘t know his floor desk phone was connected to his office for two sessions.

1983 Bob Vale ―…a parasite on the body politic…‖

1987 Al Price ―A one issue legislator: almost every subject is about race.‖

1989 Carlos Truan ―A lethal combination of ego and incompetence.‖

1991 Carlos Truan ―…a self serving time wasting windbag…‖

1993 Al Edwards ―A habitual bottom feeder‖

1999 Norma Chavez ―Clueless‖

2001 Domingo Garcia ―a one man leper colony‖

2003 Yvonne Davis ―legislative terrorism‖

2003 Eddie Lucio ―A streetwalker‖

3 One or two exceptions could be allowed or understood. Perhaps a few more could be attributed to an author‘s need to turn a phrase or catch a reader‘s attention, but when reviewed collectively, the comments show a disturbing pattern of racial ignorance and insensitivity toward the men and women who have overcome racial prejudice, struggled to educate themselves, and literally fought barriers in life that Paul Burka and others writing the articles cannot begin to imagine in order to achieve a place at the table. Burka has placed himself in judgment over these people for three and half decades without the first step toward understanding what it is like to walk in their shoes. For Burka, ―Worst‖ is less about a person‘s background, motives, and desires than it is about satire, and sandbagging.

However, the comparisons against white legislators who make the ―Ten Worst List‖ in the same years are striking. In 1973, former Rep. Tim Von Dohlen was placed on the ―Ten Worst List,‖ but his write-up referred to him as ―resourceful, hardworking and….quite intelligent.‖ In 1977, Bob Davis in his trip to ―Ten Worst‖ was labeled ―exceedingly able.‖ In 1991, Ernestine Glossbrenner was described as ―decent and caring.‖ In the collective review of the write-ups, one gets a sense that the magazine is saying, ―it didn‘t have to be this way‖ when writing about white members and ―there is virtually no hope‖ when writing about minority members.

The irony of all ironies is that Burka endorsed Kinky Friedman for Governor last year, even though he said he ―didn‘t approve of his (Friedman‘s) racially tinged remarks.‖ A comment like that might not land a person on the ―Worst‖ list, but certainly would earn a snide comment and honorable mention from the dispensor of evaluative justice.

Throughout the write-ups, there is an unseemly tone of condemnation, intellectual condescension, and bigotry permeating the collection. A tone of self-righteousness mocks the process and contradicts itself by pointing to the seriousness of the work and at the same time in the inaugural article refers to the legislature as ―the best entertainment Texas has to offer.‖ For the magazine and the authors of the list, the true purpose is entertainment  playing on the basest instincts in people to mock those who are in the ―out‖ crowd is a quick way to turn a sale and make a buck.

Despite the magazine‘s oft-repeated claim that it is not about political philosophy, statistics and the magazine‘s own words say otherwise. For the first four legislative sessions that the List existed, Texas Monthly labeled Democratic members making either list by political philosophy (Liberal Democrat, Conservative Democrat, or Moderate Democrat). During this period, Liberal Democrats made the ―Ten Best List‖ most frequently, followed by Conservative Democrats, but Conservative Democrats and Republicans outnumbered the Liberals on the ―Ten Worst List‖ by a 3-1 margin.

Worse still, during the first ten years of the lists, not a single Hispanic member made the ―Ten Best List,‖ while Hispanics made the ―Ten Worst List‖ four times. Black members fared not much better - they made the ―Best List‖ twice while making the ―Worst List‖ four times. In the two times a Black member made the Best List, it was the same member: Democrat of Houston.

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In this current decade, Republican and minority members have dominated the ―Ten Worst List‖ while only two Anglo Democrats have been named to that dubious honor.

Often Conservative Democrats made the ―Ten Best List,‖ by doing some rather non- conservative things. In 1985, Democrat Jim Rudd was praised for opposing a 2% across the board budget cut proposed by the House Conservative Caucus. Republican Jack Vowell was put on the ―Ten Best‖ in 1987 for opposing cuts to welfare and AFDC spending. In 1981, Senator Ray Farabee was praised for fighting off attacks on welfare and prison appropriations.

More recently, Republican Dan Gattis was praised for fighting for an additional $118 million of spending for elderly care; Rep. Fred Hill, a repeat offender on the ―Ten Worst List,‖ was suddenly awarded with the ―Ten Best‖ as the magazine cited his opposition to lowering appraisal caps and implementing spending caps on local government.

Social issues fare no better with Texas Monthly writers. In 1993, Rep. Warren Chisum was called ―Pat Buchanan with a smile‖ and was harangued for trying to outlaw sodomy. In 1999, Rep. Norma Chavez was attacked by the magazine for supporting a compromise bill on a State Health department pamphlet on abortion, which listed both the pros and cons of the issue. The magazine suggesting she had let the pro-life movement get its message into government publications.

Since 1989, Burka has been joined by former Times Herald writer Patti Kilday Hart, 52, in compiling the ―Best and Worst List.‖ The magazine‘s editor, Evan Smith, 41, a Long Island, New York native who has lived in Texas since 1992, became involved in the effort presumably since succeeding Gregory Curtis as Editor of the Magazine in 2001. All three can be described as part of the culturally elite ―liberal wine and brie‖ set of Austin.

Burka and Hart have been reviewing potential names for both lists since April of this year with Smith according to Burka‘s post in the Burka Blog; the list is clearly a major undertaking by the magazine.

And despite their claims to the magazine‘s non-political bias, all three are Democrats by their own words, deeds, or familial ties. Hart and Smith have voted in the Democratic Primary in Travis County - with Hart voting in seven of the last nine Democratic primaries. Smith has voted in Democratic Primaries or Run-off elections four times in the past decade. Hart‘s husband, Jeff, a local Austin attorney and past unsuccessful candidate for the Austin City Council, was a contributor last year to ex-Virginia Democratic Governor Mark Warner‘s Forward Together PAC.

Hart has served as Communications Manager for Strategic Partnerships, Inc. of Austin – the government consulting firm formed by former Texas Railroad Commissioner Mary Scott Nabers, a Democrat who was appointed to statewide office by the late Governor and stalwart liberal, Ann Richards.

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Meanwhile, Evan Smith‘s wife, Julia Null-Smith, is a Democratic Party activist who has contributed at least $550 over the past three years to Rep. Donna Howard, 2004 Democratic House candidate Kelly White, and Annie‘s List (the group formed to elect more Democratic women and pro-abortion candidates to the .

Smith‘s wife has also served on the Board of Directors of the local chapter of the pro- abortion group, Planned Parenthood; additionally, she co-hosted a reception for Liberal Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky in 2005. Both of the Smith‘s hosted a primary season gathering at their home for then front-running Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean in 2003.

Besides his duties at Texas Monthly, Evan Smith‘s writings have appeared on the ultra left-wing blog, the Huffington Post.

Paul Burka stated on July 20, 2001, in a letter to the editor of the Austin Chronicle that he was ―neither a Democrat nor a Republican‖ but then went on to describe himself as a ―Conservative Democrat‖ who votes in the Republican Primary because its ―nominees are most likely to win those (statewide) races.‖ Burka then promptly voted in the Democratic Primary in March 2002.

Burka began blogging about politics and the legislature on the magazine‘s website in July 2006. Burka and Hart are not shy about sharing their opinions or trying to have an impact on the legislative process. Although they have the right to express themselves in whatever constitutional manner they wish, the legitimacy of their rating system becomes suspect when they cloak those ratings in deliberate obfuscation, misleading readers of the List into believing it is somehow the product of a true, objective journalistic effort, rather than a measuring stick by which legislators may be measured against the subjective, biased prejudices of the List‘s creators.

These matters become relevant in reviewing the work and judgments made against legislators. For example, in 2005, Republican Rep. Phil King‘s inclusion on the ―Ten Worst List‖ referred to his work on anti-abortion bills. Rep. Robert Talton‘s campaign against gay foster parenting was cited as the reasoning behind his ―Ten Worst‖ designation the same year.

Given the political activities of Evan Smith‘s wife in these areas (Julia Null-Smith is also a supporter of Atticus Circle, an Austin-based group that promotes same sex marriage and gay foster parenting and adoption), the familial connections become quite relevant when judging the placement of certain legislators on the ―Ten Worst‖ List.

Equally troubling is the write-up of Rep. Robert Talton‘s inclusion on the 2003 ―Ten Worst List,‖ ridiculing his use of his Christian faith during floor debate. Much of the conservative social agenda is based on Christian teachings and doctrine and a majority of Texans identify themselves as Christians. This is apparently lost on Texas Monthly or

6 simply does not agree with Burka, Hart and Smith‘s preconceived idea of what a political agenda should look like.

The magazine has a long history of being critical of Christians in the Legislature. Former Rep. Tim Von Dohlen was attacked in the ―Ten Worst List‖ in 1973, as a Christian ―zealot‖ who was ―cut from a Crusaders Cloth.‖

Although Burka and Hart write the article, it is Smith who ultimately is responsible for the content of the magazine and is responsible (along with Publisher and Founder Michael Levy) for the content and for the reputation of the owners of the magazine, Emmis Publishing, LP.

Journalists or Activists

In January of this year, the Austin American-Statesman reported that Rep. Mike Krusee, R-Williamson County, said momentum was running against Speaker Tom Craddick in his re-election race against House Appropriations Chairman Rep. Jim Pitts. However, on Monday, January 8, Burka called the race for Craddick in his blog.

The Statesman reported Krusee saying, ―It had an impact. The vote was questionable, but Burka helped.‖

Burka had written that Craddick should be replaced by Pitts, but Krusee said legislators reading Burka‘s prediction of a Craddick victory eased members back towards Craddick.

Lack of Journalistic Diversity

How many minorities, or for that matter Conservatives or Republicans, have had any participation in the research and the development of the List over the years is unknown, as some Texas Monthly staff undoubtedly have performed uncredited research and possibly some writing for the articles and lists.

Of the writers of record, however, not one single Hispanic or Black writer has been listed as a joint author on any of the articles that we can identify. Typically, the writers, besides Burka, are female, white, and progressive or liberal (the one known exception is Austin Attorney Ellen Williams, a Republican, who was credited for the 1987-91 write-ups).

Certainly no Black or Hispanic male writer has been involved in judging and critiquing the Texas legislature for Texas Monthly in the series  a fact, which seems shocking given the extended period of time covered by the articles.

With the State Legislature being one-fifth Hispanic, why has there not been one single Hispanic writer of record covering the legislature for these articles and contributing to the magazine‘s process? Why is there not a current Republican point of view writing about

7 the Legislature now since the Texas Legislature is 55% Republican (and the Senate is now nearly two-thirds Republican)?

It begs the question: should upper income Anglo journalists be the total audience to sit in judgment of a deliberative body?

Double Standard

In the July 2003 edition of the ―Ten Best and Ten Worst List,‖ the magazine chose to list then Congressman Tom Delay to be on the ―Ten Worst List‖ because of his involvement in congressional redistricting. The same fate, however, was not assessed Liberal Democratic Congressman Martin Frost (1979-2005). Frost‘s involvement in congressional redistricting in the 1980s, 1990s and in this decade is legendary. His 1991 handiwork was even cited in a U.S. Supreme Court decision on the current congressional district lines. Frost had his Press Secretary, Bob Mansker, in Austin nearly full-time overseeing redistricting in 1991, so much so that it was a prime issue in his 1994 re- election race against Republican Ed Harrison.

Additionally, State Senator Eddie Bernice Johnson was attacked in the 1991 ―Ten Worst List‖ for not helping protect two Anglo, liberal Democratic Congressman from the Dallas/Fort Worth area: Frost and former U.S. Rep. John Bryant of Dallas.

A basic tenant of Anglo Liberal Democrats following the enactments of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act was to spread the minority vote among enough districts so that minority candidates could not win the Democratic primary and Republicans could not win a general election. The criticism written about Senator Johnson suggests that Texas Monthly writers were at least culpable participants in the implementation of that strategy.

Even many compliments about Republicans are backhanded. In 2005, Rep. Diane Delisi of Temple was selected for the ―Ten Best List,‖ but was called ―one of the most underrated members of the legislature,‖ even though Delisi had been a committee chair twice and had been a longstanding Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

Playing Favorites & Favorite Discriminates

Each list has multiple participants making repeat performances. On the ―Ten Best List,‖ Senator Schwartz appeared 4 times; former Democratic Rep. Steve Wolens of Dallas 6 times, former Democratic Senator Ray Farabee 5 times, former Democratic Senator John Montford 4 times, and former Republican Senator and Acting Lt. Governor Bill Ratliff 6 times.

Ratliff, who the magazine duly noted referred to himself as a "51 percent Republican," was not without controversy and the magazine failed to take that into account. Both Ratliff‘s brother and son were special interest lobbyists during his time in office. Despite

8 several controversial incidents involving his son‘s activities, the magazine gave Ratliff extraordinary license when Texas Monthly never mentioned these facts through any of the six sessions he was named to the ―Ten Best‖ list.

Other legislators were not so fortunate.

Former Democratic Senator Glenn Kothmann of San Antonio was placed on the ―Ten Worst List‖ 5 times, former Democratic Rep. Al Edwards, a Chairman of the Black Legislative Caucus was on the ―Ten Worst List‖ 4 times, former Senator Truan was on 4 times, and former Rep. Charles Finnell was on the ―Ten Worst List‖ 3 times.

Numerous Legislators made the ―Ten Worst List‖ twice. Few elected representatives have made both lists, although of late Senator John Whitmire has jumped between ―Best‖ and ―Worst‖ and former Republican Rep. Arlene Wohlgemuth was placed on the ―Ten Best List‖ twice in a row after making the ―Ten Worst List‖ twice in a row. Former Reps. Ron Wilson and Bob Davis managed to make both lists over the years.

Summary & Conclusion

The failure of Texas Monthly to use a more balanced and diverse reporting team in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, and political philosophy has resulted in a critique of the Texas legislature that is biased in terms of culture, race, religion, and political philosophy. Republican or Hispanic members of the Legislature are twice as likely to make the ―Ten Worst List‖ as they are to make the ―Ten Best List.‖ An urban white-liberal Democrat is far more predisposed towards making the ―Ten Best‖ as opposed to the ―Ten Worst.‖

The future of the writings and the course Texas Monthly takes will be, ultimately up to Emmis Publishing, LP and its parent company, Emmis Communications. A fast-growing media company, Emmis (Hebrew for ―truth‖) has worked hard to court both conservatives by its affiliations with the Fox Network through conservative talk radio and with urban black audiences through stations such as KISS-FM in New York. The bias displayed in the writings appears to be in conflict with both the mission and philosophy of Emmis.

In a time when technology takes its toll upon the weekly new magazine and the daily newspaper, the lack of diversity demonstrated by both writers and the writing may demand that Emmis bring this longstanding work into modern day journalism, which demands balance, accountability, and fairness. Time will tell.

9 Addendum

Relevant Statistical Data

Legislature Breakdown YEAR Democrat Republican Hispanic Black Female

1973 88.95% 11.04% 7.73% 4.41% 3.31% 1975 88.95% 11.04% 9.39% 4.97% 4.41% 1977 88.39% 11.60% 11.60% 7.18% 7.73% 1979 85.08% 14.91% 11.60% 7.73% 6.62% 1981 76.24% 23.75% 11.60% 7.73% 6.62% 1983 77.34% 22.65% 12.70% 7.18% 7.73% 1985 67.95% 32.04% 12.15% 7.73% 8.83% 1987 65.74% 34.25% 13.25% 8.28% 9.94% 1989 64.08% 35.91% 13.25% 8.83% 10.49% 1991 63.53% 36.46% 12.70% 8.83% 13.25% 1993 60.22% 39.77% 16.57% 8.83% 17.12% 1995 57.45% 42.54% 17.67% 8.83% 20.44% 1997 53.03% 46.96% 18.78% 8.83% 18.23% 1999 51.38% 48.61% 18.78% 8.83% 18.23% 2001 51.38% 48.61% 18.23% 8.83% 19.33% 2003 40.88% 59.11% 19.88% 8.83% 19.88% 2005 41.98% 58.01% 19.88% 8.83% 19.88% 2007 44.19% 55.80% 19.88% 8.83% 19.88%

Ten Best 1973-1981 YEAR Liberal Conservative Moderate Republican Hispanic Black Women Democrat Democrat Democrat 1973 30.00% 20.00% 40.00% 10.00% 0.00% 10.00% 0.00% 1975 40.00% 40.00% 10.00% 10.00% 0.00% 0.00% 10.00% 1977 40.00% 60.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1979 60.00% 20.00% 0.00% 20.00% 0.00% 10.00% 0.00% 1981* 30%** 50.00% 0.00% 10.00% 0.00% 10.00% 10.00%

Ten Best 1983-2005 YEAR Democrat Republican Hispanic Black Women 1983 70.00% 30.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1985 80.00% 20.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1987 70.00% 30.00% 20.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1989 90.00% 10.00% 10.00% 0.00% 10.00% 1991 70.00% 30.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1993 90.00% 10.00% 10.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1995 80.00% 20.00% 10.00% 30.00% 10.00% 1997 60.00% 40.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 1999 70.00% 30.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 2001 80.00% 20.00% 10.00% 30.00% 30.00% 2003 40.00% 60.00% 10.00% 0.00% 30.00%

10 2005 30.00% 70.00% 10.00% 0.00% 20.00%

Ten Worst 1973-1981 Liberal Conservative Moderate Republican Hispanic Black Women YEAR Democrat Democrat Democrat 1973 30.00% 60.00% 10.00% 0.00% 20.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1975 30.00% 30.00% 10.00% 30.00% 0.00% 10.00% 0.00% 1977 20.00% 50.00% 10.00% 20.00% 0.00% 10.00% 10.00% 1979 30.00% 40.00% 0.00% 30.00% 10.00% 10.00% 20.00% 1981 * * 50.00% 0.00% 30.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%

Ten Worst 1983-2005 YEAR Democrat Republican Hispanic Black Women 1983 70.00% 30.00% 10.00% 20.00% 0.00% 1985 70.00% 30.00% 0.00% 20.00% 0.00% 1987 90.00% 10.00% 0.00% 20.00% 10.00% 1989 70.00% 30.00% 20.00% 20.00% 10.00% 1991 70.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 20.00% 1993 60.00% 40.00% 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 1995 40.00% 60.00% 10.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1997 30.00% 70.00% 10.00% 0.00% 10.00% 1999 40.00% 60.00% 20.00% 10.00% 30.00% 2001 30.00% 70.00% 40.00% 0.00% 10.00% 2003 50.00% 40.00% 20.00% 10.00% 30.00% 2005 30.00% 70.00% 20.00% 10.00% 10.00%

* Curiously, in 1981, Texas Monthly ceased the use of the term ‗Liberal Democrat‘ to describe legislators.

** Based on previous labels used by Texas Monthly to describe the Legislators listed.

The Ten Best and Ten Worst, 1973-2005

Ten Best Ten Worst 1973 Neil Caldwell Ben Atwell DeWitt Hale Charles Finnell Ray Hutchison Glenn Kothmann Hawkins Menefee Mike McKinnon James Nugent Bill Meier Lindsey Rodriguez A.R. "Babe" Schwartz Henry Sanchez Max Sherman Wayland Simmons Jim Wallace Tim Von Dohlen Craig Washington Doyle Willis 1975 Neil Caldwell O.H. 'Ike' Harris Ray Hutchison Fred Head Grant Jones Al Korioth

11 Jim Mattox Glenn Kothmann Wayne Peveto Mike McKinnon A.R. "Babe" Schwartz Tom Schieffer Max Sherman G.J. Sutton Bill Sullivant Tom Uher Sarah Weddington Larry Vick John Wilson Doyle Willis 1977 John Bryant Tom Creighton Ron Coleman Bob Davis Ray Farabee Charles Evans Lance Lalor DeWitt Hale Lynn Nabers Glenn Kothmann Jim Nugent Tom Massey Wayne Peveto Chris Miller A.R. "Babe" Schwartz Bill Presnal Max Sherman Joe Robbins John Wilson Clay Smothers 1979 John Bryant Ron Coleman Arnold Gonzales Bob Davis Forrest Green Bill Hollowell Jerry "Nub" Donaldson Tom Massey Grant Jones Bill Meier Lance Lalor Bob Price Bob McFarland Senfronia Thompson A.R. "Babe" Schwartz Bob Ware Craig Washington John Whitmire 1981 Billy Clayton Larry Browder Ron Coleman* Lanell Cofer Lloyd Doggett* Buck Florence Ray Farabee Bill Heatly Susan Gurley McBee John Leedom Bob McFarland Mike Martin Bill Messer Ken Riley Pete Snelson Chris Semos Craig Washington E.L. Short William Wayne Justice* Carlos Truan 1983 Kent Caperton Al Edwards Bill Coody Frank Eikenburg Ray Farabee Bill Hollowell Jay Gibson Sam Hudson Gerald Hill Glenn Kothmann Lee Jackson Jan McKenna Ray Keller Randy Pennington Bob McFarland Carlyle Smith Bill Messer Mark Stiles Steve Wolens Bob Vale 1985 Paul Colbert Chet Brooks Chet Edwards Bill Ceverha Charles Evans Jerry Clark

12 Ray Farabee Gerald Geistweidt Bob McFarland Glenn Kothmann Bill Messer Jan McKenna Hugh Parmer Robert Saunders Jim Rudd Ralph Wallace Mike Toomey Craig Washington Tom Uher Ron Wilson 1987 Kent Caperton Betty Denton Eddie Cavazos Ted Lyon Ray Farabee Jim McWilliams Bruce Gibson Bob Melton Bob Glasgow Pete Patterson Juan Hinojosa Al Price Jim Parker Craig Washington Richard Smith Bill Clements Terral Smith Bill Hobby Jack Vowell Gib Lewis 1989 Kent Caperton Ken Armbrister Bruce Gibson Al Edwards Lena Guerrero Bob Glasgow Bill Hammond Talmadge Heflin Bill Hobby Eddie Bernice Johnson Mike McKinney Al Luna John Montford Bob Richardson Jim Rudd Dalton Smith Ric Williamson Carlos Truan Stan Schlueter **** Stan Schlueter **** 1991 Ken Armbrister Eddie Cavazos Robert Eckels Temple Dickson Rob Junell Charles Finnell Mike Martin Ernestine Glossbrenner John Montford Gene Green Carl Parker Eddie Bernice Johnson Bill Ratliff Glenn Repp Jack Vowell Dalton Smith Ric Williamson Jim Tallas Steve Wolens Carlos Truan 1993 Ken Armbrister Al Edwards Hugo Berlanga O.H. "Ike" Harris Elton Bomer Fred Hill David Cain Ted Kamel Pete Laney Glen Maxey Mike Martin Jane Nelson John Montford Steve Carriker David Sibley Warren Chisum Whitmire/Hightower/Place¹ David Counts Steve Wolens Betty Denton 1995 Hugo Berlanga Gonzalo Barrientos Garnet Coleman Kim Brimer Tom Craddick Warren Chisum

13 Rodney Ellis Frank Corte Patty Gray Michael Galloway Rob Junell Drew Nixon John Montford Mike Krusee Bill Ratliff John Whitmire Paul Sadler Doyle Willis Sylvester Turner Wilson/Zaffirini (DM)** 1997 Hugo Berlanga Kevin Bailey Teel Bivins Frank Corte Toby Goodman Charles Finnell Allen Hightower Michael Galloway Bill Ratliff Drew Nixon Paul Sadler Kent Grusendorf David Sibley Charlie Howard Ron Wilson Eddie Lucio Steve Wolens John Shields Judith Pappas Zaffirini¹ Arlene Wohlgemuth 1999 Pete Gallego Kevin Bailey Patty Gray Norma Chavez Scott Hochberg Troy Fraser Bill Ratliff Charlie Howard Ken Marchant Jon Lindsay Paul Sadler Drew Nixon David Sibley Rene Oliveira Royce West Florence Shapiro Steve Wolens Sylvester Turner Rob Junell Arlene Wohlgemuth 2001 Garnet Coleman John Carona Robert Duncan Mario Gallegos Jim Dunnam Gary Elkins Rodney Ellis Domingo Garcia Bill Ratliff Rick Green Juan Hinojosa Suzanna Gratia Hupp Senfronia Thompson Fred Hill Paul Sadler Chris Harris Arlene Wohlgemuth Carlos Truan Judith Pappas Zaffirini Mike Jackson 2003 Teel Bivins Lon Burnam Diane White Delisi Gabi Canales David Dewhurst Yvonne Davis Robert Duncan Tom DeLay * Craig Eiland Jim Dunnam Irma Rangel Troy Fraser Bill Ratliff Eddie Lucio John Whitmire Joe Nixon Arlene Wohlgemuth Robert Talton Steve Wolens Beverly Woolley 2005 Diane White Delisi Gonzalo Barrientos Robert Duncan Dwayne Bohac Dan Gattis Mary Denny

14 Pete Geren Al Edwards Fred Hill Mario Gallegos Steve Ogden Kent Grusendorf Jim Pitts Phil King Mike Villarreal Terry Keel John Whitmire Robert Talton Judith Pappas Zaffirini Chris Harris

¹ Whitmire & Reps. Place and Hightower shared a slot due to their work on criminal Justice * Not an actual member of the reform Legislature

** ¹Zaffirini is married to an Hispanic, but her own ethnicity is Greek; therefore, we did not list her as Hispanic. By that logic, Senator Leticia Van de Putte would be considered Anglo because of her marriage when, in point of fact, ethnically, she is Hispanic.

*** There was no tenth member of the “Ten Worst List” this year; Wilson and Zaffirini received a joint “dishonorable mention.”

**** Schlueter was placed on both lists that year.

Reporters of Record for the Ten Best and Ten Worst List articles, 1973-2005

1973 Paul Burka 1975 Paul Burka 1977 Paul Burka, Richard West 1979 Paul Burka 1981 Paul Burka, Victoria Loe, Kaye Northcott 1983 Paul Burka, Allison Cook, Kaye Northcott 1985 Paul Burka, Allison Cook 1987 Paul Burka, Kaye Northcott, Ellen Williams, Emily Yoffe 1989 Paul Burka, Patti Kilday Hart 1991 Paul Burka, Patti Kilday Hart 1993 Paul Burka, Patti Kilday Hart 1995 Paul Burka, Patti Kilday Hart 1997 Paul Burka, Patti Kilday Hart 1999 Paul Burka, Patti Kilday Hart

15 2001 Paul Burka, Patti Kilday Hart 2003 Paul Burka, Patti Kilday Hart 2005 Paul Burka, Patti Kilday Hart

* The Editors of Texas Monthly - Williams Broyles, Gregory Curtis and Evan Smith - were involved in the various articles, but none were listed as an author or co-author.

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