Bonnen-bashing bandwagon bigger by 1

Usually, in the normal course of political reportage, it's The Texas Observer handling the reins of the little buggy that runs over the toes of State Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, Our Man in Austin, for his various crimes against humanity.

But now, seemingly out of the blue, the Bash Bonnen Buggy has gotten a little bigger, big enough, we suggest, that it's now a Bonnen-bashing bandwagon.

Who's the newcomer?

Not another left wing publication such as the T.O. but none other than the Dallas Morning News, the daily newspaper that has a history of supporting the status quo.

The newspaper is disgusted at Our Man in Austin and his failure to lead, it says here.

One month ago, lawmakers crowded onto the Capitol steps, vowing to clean our air.

Legislators from both parties pledged to rewrite the rules on energy, while promoting conservation and cleaner power. It was to be a sea change at the statehouse.

Since then, there's been little to see and minimal change. Instead, the same ol' story is playing out as bills aimed at improving air quality and encouraging energy efficiency are left to die in Republican-led committees.

Lawmakers still have time to protect public health by strengthening environmental regulations that are riddled with loopholes. But the hour is growing late as the Legislature enters its final month.

Optimism has been supplanted by concern for opportunity lost.

While many lawmakers bear responsibility, Rep. Dennis Bonnen's lack of leadership has been particularly disappointing.

This development should be particularly distressing to Our Man in Austin, who's said to be quite desperate to climb the political ladder after serving his apprenticeship in the Texas House -- so desperate, in fact, that he is said to be suffering from a case of politcal blue balls.

He MUST ACHIEVE RELEASE, in other words.

But if even the Dallas Morning News is, as they say, "disappointed" in Our Man in Austin, what's that say for the young buck's political future?

Frankly, we're not sure, but it might help if he took the discussion about global warning a bit more seriously than he did in this story.