Only difference between Texas politicians now and as far back as say the days of the republic, is then many arguments were settled with walking canes, bowie knives, hatchets, axes, and pistols.
And Texas has no monopoly on less than savory politicians. Each state has its fair share. It’s the nature of the beast.
Politics is akin to the prison gang system or drug cartels. Only real difference is politicians are doing it under protection of the alleged law.
In one word, all politicians from the dog catcher on up, are slimy.
