The Houston Chronicle would like a do-over, please.
In a new op-ed, the editors of the Texas paper wax nostalgic over former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison — and draw an unfavorable contrast between her and her successor, Ted Cruz.
"We're not sure how much difference one person could make in the toxic, chaotic, hyperpartisan atmosphere in Washington," notes the editorial, "but if we could choose just one it would be Hutchison, whose years of service in the Senate were marked by two things sorely lacking in her successor."
What were those two things? An "unswerving commitment to the highest and best interests of Texas at all times" and an "understanding of the importance of reaching across the aisle when necessary."
"One reason we particularly believe Hutchison would make a difference in these hectic days," the paper continues, "is that if she had kept her seat, Cruz would not be in the Senate."
When we endorsed Ted Cruz in last November's general election, we did so with many reservations and at least one specific recommendation -- that he follow Hutchison's example in his conduct as a senator.
Obviously, he has not done so. Cruz has been part of the problem in specific situations where Hutchison would have been part of the solution.
We feel certain she would have worked shoulder to shoulder with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in crafting a workable solution that likely would have avoided the government shutdown altogether.
But we'll never know.
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