January 21, 2015 5:16 PM

HK: Dan Patrick introduces himself as Lite Guv

Two quick observations about style and how it may impact substance

Of course, Lt. Govenor Dan Patrick’s speech drew lots of comment as a religiously cloaked call to arms for Texas conservatives. Some felt the religious tone was over the top but folks forget the dynamics of the session. This was the Lite Guv’s victory lap and it was the last time he will operate at center stage during the session. As the session grinds on, the Lt. Governor is just another player in the legislative pantheon, albeit a very significant one.

Most folks were contrasting Patrick’s much more theatrical speech actually laying out policy priorities with Greg Abbott’s much more inclusive speech focusing on his own personal pilgrimage overcoming what for most would be insurmountable circumstance. Abbott was continuing his pre-session persona of inclusion and his speech was intended to be inspirational directed at all Texans.

But don’t forget, the Governor is always at center stage and more to the point, Abbott knows better than to compete oratorically with Patrick. More importantly, Abbott will presumably be delivering a State of the State speech in the coming weeks when he will be fleshing out his legislative agenda without having to compete with Patrick.

By Harvey Kronberg