Dewhurst focuses on program to fight child
sexual predators - Inaugural address also mentions
immigration, environment, education
AUSTIN -- Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst was sworn
in Tuesday for his second term as the state's
No. 2 leader, committing himself to passage
of a series of laws to protect children from
sexual predators and improve school safety.
Mr. Dewhurst, 61, also promised to focus on
illegal immigration, the environment and education
during his next four years -- a prelude to what
many political experts predict will be a run
for governor in 2010.
The Republican pointed to his record as lieutenant
governor in his inaugural address, noting that
the last time he took the oath of office, in
2003, his leadership abilities were largely
unknown.
"When you elected me the first time, it
had to be in part an act of faith," he
told state leaders, senators, House members
and others forced into the House chamber for
the inauguration because of wintry weather.
"This time, I trust I've earned your confidence."
Mr. Dewhurst drew laughter when he recalled
telling his mother that he had decided to seek
public office after a successful career as a
Houston businessman, earning a fortune estimated
at nearly $300 million.
"She said, as only mothers can say, 'Son,
have you completely lost your mind?' "
While he touched on familiar themes in his
17-minute address -- including accountability
for education spending and making the state
more business friendly -- Mr. Dewhurst reserved
most of his time to promote his Texas Children
First program.
The centerpiece of the program is a new crackdown
on sex offenders who victimize young children.
Under his plan, sexually violent crimes against
a child younger than 14 would result in minimum
prison terms of 25 years. A second conviction
would make the offender subject to the death
penalty.
"By protecting our children, we protect
our future," he said. "There are many
violent crimes, but none more insidious than
violent crimes committed against children."
Noting that half of the 46,000 registered sex
offenders in Texas victimized children, Mr.
Dewhurst said it is time "to bring justice
to these monsters" through passage of legislation
similar to Florida's Jessica's Law. Before discussing
his Texas version of the law, he introduced
Mark Lunsford, the father of the Florida child
whose death prompted passage of that state's
sexual predator statute.
"If you're going to commit an unspeakable,
unimaginable crime against children, we'll show
you what Texas tough means," Mr. Dewhurst
said. "Literally, two strikes and you're
out forever."
Some legal experts question whether the U.S.
Constitution permits making sexual assault a
death-penalty crime. And Texas prisons are already
near capacity, so long minimum sentences could
force the state to commit millions toward new
facilities. Victims' rights groups and prosecutors
are wary of such new laws, fearing that it would
be more difficult to persuade juries to convict
offenders and that more assailants could kill
their victims to eliminate witnesses.
Mr. Dewhurst's plan also includes stiffer penalties
for soliciting children on the Internet and
criminal background checks for everyone who
works in a public school.
While the Legislature is expected to have less
ambitious plans for education this year after
passing a massive school finance bill last year,
Mr. Dewhurst said the Senate will continue to
work on legislation to improve scholastic performance,
reward good teachers and lower student dropout
rates.
