Is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick To Blame For Preventing Cannabis Progress in Texas?
Politics is polarizing by design but it can also be a fascinating display of characters, plots, schemes and storylines that play out like a screenplay as real time unfolds. And what’s a good screenplay without a central figure? Or what about those screenplays that can stir up debate about just who really should be considered the central figure? That’s always fun.
In the saga of cannabis in Texas and the quest for legalization, there stands a character who could arguably be considered the central figure; an anti-hero perhaps, Lt. Gov Dan Patrick.
We mentioned in another article how Texas has some relatively archaic laws in place ; and we plan to expound on that subject more in later articles; and one could argue that the Reconstruction-crafted structure of the Texas government fits that description. At the time, the idea of the state’s constitution was to curtail the governor’s power. Instead, the governor must depend on the House and the Senate to secure funding for his initiatives and to pass legislation.
While the House speaker presides over a chamber that holds equal weight to the Senate, their position is subject to the election by their colleagues. This means that the speaker must strive to keep their colleagues content in order to maintain their influential position.
The lieutenant governor on the other hand wields considerable power, particularly in the Senate, where they can exert firm control over proceedings. Unlike the House speaker, the lieutenant governor is elected by the voters of Texas, which affords them a certain level of insulation from potential backlash from dissatisfied senators.
When it comes to influencing legislation, the Senate largely reflects the strong hand of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Bills related to cannabis legalization, among others, have repeatedly failed to receive even a single committee hearing under Patrick’s leadership. It remains uncertain whether a majority of senators oppose these bills or if their fate is simply a result of the limited room for dissent against the three-term lieutenant governor, especially within his own Republican party.
Patrick’s position as lieutenant governor grants him significant influence and makes it challenging for lawmakers to challenge or circumvent his authority. His ability to shape the legislative agenda and control the flow of bills underscores the substantial power he wields within the Texas Senate.
Sitting comfortably in his position, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has found it easier to adopt a particular approach to politics. However, in recent times, he has gained an additional tool to wield: his relationship with former President Donald Trump. Patrick’s unwavering loyalty to Trump left a lasting impression. When U.S. Senator Ted Cruz exited the 2016 presidential primary race, Patrick quickly threw his support behind Trump and became a prominent figure in Trump’s Texas campaigns, chairing both of them. His enthusiastic endorsement of Trump solidified his standing as a staunch ally and further strengthened their relationship. For what it’s worth, during a rally in Conroe, Trump Trump shared with the crowd that Patrick frequently reaches out to him with requests, to which Trump enthusiastically responds, saying, “Absolutely, Dan. Whatever you want, Dan.”
During this election cycle, Patrick has been actively involved in handpicking a group of allies at various levels of state government, further expanding his already significant influence. He has effectively utilized his close ties to Trump to support his friends and undermine his adversaries.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of Texas has established himself as a powerful figure in the state’s political landscape, particularly regarding his stance on cannabis legalization. Known for his traditional and conservative approach, Patrick has garnered a significant following among rural Republican Texans who embrace his traditional values. His influence as the head of the Senate, coupled with his close association with former President Donald Trump, has allowed him to handpick allies and shape the political landscape in his favor.
However, his opposition to cannabis reform has made him an anti-hero in the eyes of those advocating for legalization, as his stronghold on conservative ideals impedes progress on this issue. While Patrick’s support base appreciates his traditional way of thinking, it also hinders the push for cannabis legalization in Texas, leaving him at odds with advocates who believe in the potential benefits of reform.
