Add 40-year Midland Rep. Tom Craddick to the list of speakers whose careers ended for reasons other than their own choosing.

Craddick was one of only nine Republicans in the 150-member House when elected. In 2003, he made state history when he became the first Republican Speaker — after helping gain the Republican Majority in the House — for the first time in more than 130 years.

Other former speakers have ended up in jail, on probation, or defeated. One was even shot and killed by his own wife after running for – and losing – the attorney general race.

Decades of polling data consistently show taxpayers’ preference for smaller government and lower taxes. In recent elections, both parties laid claim to fiscal conservatism.

Americans for Prosperity Foundation has investigated how much in taxpayer dollars are being used to lobby in Washington, D.C., directly against taxpayer interests. While ordinary Americans are busy earning a living, taking care of their families and paying their taxes, their hard-earned tax dollars are being used to pay for lobbyists who are fighting for higher taxes and bigger government.