Texas no longer King of the Hill?

The population of Texas may be growing, but the state's influence in Washington could be receding. A Texan has occupied the White House for 12 of the last 20 years, and the Texas Congressional delegation has often wielded considerable power.

With Democrats set to control the executive and legislative branches, and fewer Texans wielding power, the Lone Star state's "political and cultural influence are already on the wane," Politico reports. 

Texas politicians have "loomed large" in Washington. Texas has produced three presidents since the 1960's.  Other notable figures have included U.S. Sen. Lloyd Bentsen, U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan, House Speaker Sam Rayburn, and former House Majority Leaders Dick Armey (R-Dallas) and Tom DeLay (R-Sugar Land).

"I guess it's unrealistic for any state to continue to enjoy national influence dating back to the '20s and '30s," former U.S. Rep. Martin Frost (D-Arlington) told Politico. "Texas has had this unbroken run. And sooner or later, it had to come to an end."

U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Dallas) and John Cornyn (R-San Antonio) continue the "Lone Star tradition" but "neither attracts the cult of personality" some people expect from outsized Texas politicians.  Republicans see a "rising star" in U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Dallas) while Democrats see one in U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Waco).

DeLay's "redistricting crusade" may be hurting Texas as many Democrats who lost seats, like Charlie Stenholm (D-Abilene), might be heading prominent committees today. With fewer Texans in top-leadership positions, the Texas congressional delegation "may have to work across the aisle" to deliver projects for the state.

Former Clinton advisor Paul Begala said the transition of power means the "end of the Texas Republican."

"When the majority of Texas Republicans voted against a Texas Republican president's economic package, ... then I don't know what it means to be a Texas Republican anymore," Begald said.

Distance, the saying goes, makes the heart grow fonder, and former White House advisor Dan Bartlett said Texas may make a comeback in Washington.   

"I won't be surprised if there is a resurgence after this president rides off into the sunset and all those animosities and short-term issues around George W. Bush fade away," he concluded.