Fast Politics

Let no one ever say again that ol' Sam Hudson doesn't go all the way for the voters. Since January, Hudson, a Texas state legislator serving a Dallas district, has submitted 106 bills that he said were dear to his constituents. But key committees ignored the measures. Upset by charges that he lacked legislative clout, Hudson did some fast thinking.

He announced he would not eat until all of his bills were considered. The tall (5 ft. 11 in., 185 Ibs.) legislator lost 34 Ibs. during his first 33 days of fasting, but he won a partial victory; last week legislative committees agreed to assess 22 of his proposals. Said State Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Uher: "I'm setting these bills as fast as I can because I don't want to see Sam dying on us." During a committee meeting, Uher offered Hudson a glazed doughnut, but Hudson--who has consumed only orange juice and water since his strike began--refused. Still, he was encouraged by the committee's attention. Said he: "A few more days like this and I can go back to eating." The meal of his dreams? Well, mustard greens and dumplings.

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