Odessa thanks Craddick

House Speaker Tom Craddick may have faced a defiant challenge to his state leadership position in May, but Thursday night some Odessans let him know how much he’s loved here in the Permian Basin.

Business, civic, medical and education leaders overwhelmingly thanked Craddick and his wife, Nadine, for their political support in an appreciation reception in their honor.

“The city of Odessa is always honored when we are able to welcome VIPs to our community,” Odessa Mayor Larry Melton said. “And no one better fits our definition of VIPs that our speaker of the Texas House, the honorable Tom Craddick and his wife, Nadine.”

Craddick faced an unsuccessful challenge to his authority within the Republican ranks and across the aisle in the 80th legislative session’s final hours.

His opponents tried to throw him out of his leadership seat with a speaker’s election, but Craddick wouldn’t recognize the motions for a new speaker.

He defended his approach before the Odessa reception began.

“To me, it’s the issues and getting done the state’s business more than politics and that’s what we did,” the Midland Republican said.

Craddick would like to see the Texas Republican ranks remain united as the party during the 2008 election cycle.

“The Republicans need to unify and work together,” Craddick said. “If we don’t, if we get split up, all that does is help the Democrats. The time for us to be partisan is in the election cycle not when we’re in session.”

The Odessa Country Club gathering with about 250 people was in stark contrast to the intense scrutiny in Austin.

“Wow … This turnout is phenomenal,” Craddick said.

Over and over again, the speakers praised Craddick for his generous support to West Texas initiatives such as energy development as well as “his professionalism, his leadership skills, his vision for the future,” Melton said.

Craddick even earned two standing ovations.

Medical Center Hospital Chief Executive Officer Bill Webster applauded Craddick for advocating increased staff for the Texas Medical Board and funding for nursing schools to address staffing shortages.

Dr. Steven Berk of the Texas Tech University Health Science Center called the Craddicks “a blessing for Texas Tech” and its medical school expansion.

Tremendous was the word both Odessa College President Gregory Williams and UTPB President David Watts used to describe Craddick’s support to higher education, including the development of UTPB’s $66 million Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, Watts said.

“Without your support this last legislative session, UTPB would not be in the very positive condition it is today,” Watts said.