Texas Representative Tom Craddick already has several firsts to his name.
He was the first Republican speaker of the House since Reconstruction. The first GOP committee chairman in a century. And the longest-serving member of the Texas Legislature in history.
But, after winning his 25th consecutive election this month, the Midland Republican can add a new accomplishment to that list that no one else at the Capitol – and few others around the country – can claim: half a century in office.
“If I couldn’t enjoy it and represent my district well, then I wouldn’t come back. Then I’d quit,” he said. “But ...