News

(AUSTIN) - Speaker Tom Craddick (R - Midland) today appointed Rep. Leo Berman (R - Tyler) and David Wedel, and re-appointed Patrick Canty, Mike Rosen, Ben Philpot and Mike Ward to serve on the Elections Advisory Committee.

"Each of these individual's knowledge of the state's election process, from a legislative or a media standpoint, will make their contribution key to this advisory committee," Speaker Craddick said. "I am pleased to appoint them and am confident that they will serve this committee well."

The Elections Advisory Committee, comprised largely of editors and reporters selected from the state's television, radio and print media, meets twice a year to evaluate the tabulation of unofficial election returns compiled by the secretary of state's office, and to make recommendations for the future counting and reporting of ballots. The lieutenant governor and secretary of state are responsible for the appointment of an additional six members each to the advisory committee.

In addition to the committee members appointed by the speaker, the lieutenant governor and the secretary of state, several other prominent members of the Texas news media enjoy a standing membership on the advisory committee, including: the president of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, the president of the Texas Daily Press Association, the president of the Texas Daily Newspaper Association, and the chief state executive officers of the Associated Press and United Press International.

Representative Leo Berman (Tyler) was first elected to District 6 in 1998 and is chairman of the House Committee on Elections. Before joining the Texas legislature, Berman served with distinction for more than 22 years in the U.S. Army. Over the course of his military career he was awarded three Bronze Stars and nine Air Medals before retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

David Wedel was named publisher of the Midland Reporter-Telegram in July 2007. Wedel has worked for the Reporter-Telegram for nearly 20 years and prior to his role as publisher, he served as the paper's general manager. Before beginning his career in journalism, Wedel worked for the Midland tax office of Coopers & Lybrand and served in the U.S. Army.

Patrick Canty is the publisher of the Odessa American. Over his 20-year career as a journalist, Canty has been actively involved in a variety of civic, charitable and industry organizations, including the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, Rotary and the Boys Scouts of America. Canty has served on the Elections Advisory Committee since June 2005.

Mike Rosen works as the chief political reporter for KTBC, Austin's local FOX affiliate, and has covered the legislature as a member of the capitol press corps for nearly 10 years. This is Rosen's second appointment to the Elections Advisory Committee.

Mike Ward, a member of the capitol press corps since 1998, is the Austin American-Statesman's senior political correspondent. He has served on the Elections Advisory Committee for the past two years.

Ben Philpott is the Senior Political Reporter for Austin's National Public Radio affiliate, KUT. Philpott has covered Texas politics since 2002 and has served on the Elections Advisory Committee since 2005.

All appointees will serve a two-year term beginning this month.

CONTACT
Alexis Delee (512) 463-0223