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Saturday, June 9, 2001
No go for Ratliff
The acting lieutenant governor stuns Austin by choosing not to run
AUSTIN - Acting Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff showed leadership and a commitment to principles in his decision not to run for lieutenant governor in 2002.
Ratliff had every reason to run for the post - significant statewide support, ability to raise money, experience and respect among his colleagues in the Senate.
"People all across Texas have been attracted to the lieutenant governor's straightforward leadership style, his proven skills as a problem solver and his unquestioned integrity,'' said Cyndi Taylor-Krier, co-chairwoman of Ratliff's campaign exploratory committee. ''His colleagues' trust in him has been a key element in achievement of a successful legislative session in a very challenging political environment.''
But it was today's political environment - and the need to raise millions of dollars to compete - that ultimately swayed Ratliff not to run for lieutenant governor.
During the legislative session, it appeared Ratliff was ready to run. He had appointed an exploratory committee and most observers expected him to run. So it was no surprise when he announced that he would run two days before the end of the legislative session. But Ratliff shocked many people by reversing that decision 10 days later.
'I do not love politics'
''After reflecting on that decision (to run), I have concluded that it was a mistake," the Mount Pleasant Republican said at a packed news conference at the Capitol. "The fact is I do love policy-making, but I do not love politics.''
Ratliff said he made the decision in consultation with his wife, Sally. "We realized that Bill Ratliff never can be repackaged to meet the demands of today's sound-bite campaign environment. Nor do I want to be," he said.
One of Ratliff's main concerns about running for lieutenant governor was raising at least $10 million to be competitive. He called that ''a level of politics that I'm just not comfortable with."
He provided a steady hand
Ratliff essentially decided that today's politics aren't worth compromising his principles - even if means giving up perhaps the most powerful political post in Texas. The lieutenant governor is influential in Texas because the duties include presiding over the 31-member Senate and control of legislation.
Ratliff, who has served in the Senate since 1988, was elected by his fellow senators in December to fill the lieutenant governor vacancy when Rick Perry became governor.
He provided a steady hand and calming influence over the Senate during the most recent legislative session. Most senators gave him high marks for his performance, although some criticized his inability to get a Senate redistricting plan to the floor for a vote.
Some state senators expressed regret that Ratliff decided not to run for the statewide post. ''He has done a masterful job as acting lieutenant governor and I believe he is the best man for the job in the future,'' said state Sen. Teel Bivins, R-Amarillo. ''God has granted Bill the gifts of wisdom, patience and consensus-building. Texas has lost a great leadership opportunity.''
Others echoed Bivins' comments, but Texans should be grateful to Ratliff for making this decision. He could have easily stayed with his original decision to run for lieutenant governor, knowing that his heart wasn't in it. But he couldn't compromise his principles - and that is a sign of a true leader.
Ratliff also showed respect to other potential Republican candidates by announcing his decision now. This allows other Republican candidates, who might otherwise have stayed out of the race to support Ratliff, to begin fundraising and building their campaigns.
Republicans who plan to run for lieutenant governor include: state Sen. David Sibley of Waco; Texas Land Commissioner David Dewhurst; and Supreme Court Justice Greg Abbott. On the Democratic side, former Texas Comptroller John Sharp has announced his candidacy for the post.
May not run for re-election
Meanwhile, Ratliff says he has not decided whether he will run for his Senate seat again. For now, he will focus on his duties of acting lieutenant governor.
''He has given of himself tirelessly for the people of Texas,'' Perry said. ''His work has been tremendous, his patience unyielding, and his love for this state endless.''
Ty Meighan is chief of the Scripps Howard Austin Bureau and can be reached at 512-334-6640 or by email at meighant@scripps.com.
Ty Meighan is chief of the Scripps Howard Austin Bureau. You can reach him by phone at (512) 334-6640 or by email at meighant@scripps.com.
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