Lawmakers agree on how to reveal ballots; speaker vote expected tonight

From Reporter-Telegram reporter Bob Campbell in Austin:

House members pass Hartnett Amendent calling for ballots to be reveaaled immediately, a positive sign for Speaker of the House Tom Craddick of Midland in his efforts to win another Speakership. The vote was 96-51 in favor of revealing ballots immediately.

Two other amendments failed: The Geren amendment, 96-51, delaying the release of how representatives voted by two weeks, or after committee assignments are handed out, and the Merritt amendment, which also failed, 91-57, which would have called for the balloting to remain secret indefinitely.

House Resolution 35, which proscribes the way the voting will proceed according to the Hartnett Amendment and with a paper ballot, passed 132-16.

House members are currently conducting a test vote. The Speakers vote, between incumbent Tom Craddick of Midland and challenger Jim Pitts, of Waxahachie, will be held this evening.