The math of politics in Texas

The Speaker of the House in Texas maybe more powerful than the Governor, so how about this beautiful piece of logic in my wonderful State:

Tom Craddick(R) says he has got a solid 72 votes from representatives so that he will retain the Speaker of the House. His office has called to confirm these 72 votes out of the 149 available. Now his opposition, Democrat Brian McCall says he has 73 solid votes. Craddick says McCall's are not as solid as his, so he expects a few more to jump on board and win. McCall has not double checked his backers apparently. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, another Republican, Jim Pitts jumps in and claims he has 83 solid votes.

Now folks if I add all these votes up, it comes out to more than 149. So very clearly some representatives have been telling these three competitors what they want to hear. Now I find out that Craddick has counted Pitts as a solid vote for him, and in order to be accurate, he will have to scratch Pitts off his list.

No sh it Sherlock... Ya think so? Craddick is quite the thinker.

What in the name of Thor is going on in my State...
I wonder if others on this board have State governments with as much brain power as my great State.