AUSTIN -- State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) was named by Texas Monthly Magazine as one of the 25 most powerful people in Texas politics. His selection is part of an article in the February issue of the Austin-based publication. Writer Paul Burka says the list focuses on people who are key players in the Austin legislative environment, but is not limited to lawmakers.

"Being part of Texas Monthly's list comes as somewhat of a surprise to me," said Senator West. "I'd be hard-pressed to think of anyone who wouldn't like for their efforts to be appreciated. But I am most proud that the time and deliberation spent on creating good public policy for the people of Texas is being recognized by others."

The 2005 list was the third in the magazine's history. The last was compiled in 1987. Senator West is one of only two African Americans named. Houston State Senator Rodney Ellis also received the distinction. In 1999, Senator West was named as one of the "Ten Best Legislators in Texas" by Texas Monthly.

"The political system is so unwieldy, so rife with nuance, so studded with procedural obstacles, so vulnerable to popular whim, that power brokers are essential to the process," wrote Texas Monthly. "The 25 people on our list of the Texans with the most political clout at the state level owe their status to some combination of four assets that translate into power: money, institutional knowledge, relationships and ideas."

Texas Monthly's designation is one of several honors received by Senator West this year. In January, he was named "Public Official of the Year" by the Black Contractors Association of Texas. In March, Senator West will be honored by the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) as their "Region 10 - Legislator of the Year" for his support of public education. Senator West was recognized by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) in January for his work on behalf of the Hispanic community. He also was honored by State Rep. Doro Olivo (D-Rosenburg) for his education advocacy during "Texas Summit 2005," a conference on safe schools held at the State Capital last month.

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