Posted on 01/06/2009 8:24:04 AM PST by Def Conservative
AUSTIN — Rep. Joe Straus claimed enough votes Sunday night to be elected next week as speaker of the Texas House, a post that wields considerable influence over state priorities, including the amount of taxes you pay and the cost for you or your children to attend college.
Assuming his supporters don't waver, the San Antonio Republican would assume one of the most powerful positions in state politics from incumbent Tom Craddick, a Midland Republican who dropped his bid to be re-elected as leader of the House.
"He has withdrawn his candidacy and freed up his pledges," said Rep. Will Hartnett, R-Dallas. He said the "vast bulk" of those who supported Craddick, including himself, will now back Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo.
Craddick supporters said they are regrouping to try to win over support for Smithee, an attorney who was first elected to the House in 1984 and is chair of the House Insurance Commission.
Straus released a list of 88 state legislators who pledged to vote for him on Jan. 13. Smithee says he has at least 55 pledges. The winner needs at least 76.
Straus said partisanship and special interests must take a back seat "to doing what is right for our state at this critical time. It is time for a new tone and an atmosphere of trust in the Texas House of Representatives.
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
Yep.
Strausse is the worst kind of RINO. A little rich guy from Alamo Heights who supported 3RD TRIMESTER ABORTIONS, gay rights, whatever.
Last First
Allen Alma
Alonzo Roberto
Alvarado Carol
Anchia Rafael
Bolton Valinda
Branch Dan
Burnam Lon
Castro Joaquin
Chavez Norma
Cohen Ellen
Coleman Garnet
Cook Byron
Davis Yvonne
Deshotel Joe
Dukes Dawnna
Dunnam Jim
Eiland Craig
Eissler Rob
Elkins Gary
England Kirk
Farias Joe
Farabee David
Farrar Jessica
Flores Kino
Frost Stephen
Gallego Pete
Geren Charlie
Giddings Helen
Gonzalez Veronica
Gonzalez Toureilles Yvonne
Gutierrez Roland
Heflin Joe
Hernandez Ana
Herrero Abel
Hochberg Scott
Hodge Terri
Homer Mark
Hopson Chuck
Howard Donna
Jones Delwin
Keffer Jim
Kent Carol
King Tracy
Kuempel Edmund
Leibowitz David
Lucio Eddie
Maldonado Diana
Mallory Caraway Barbara
Marquez Marisa
Martinez Armando
Martinez Fischer Trey
McCall Brian
Jones McClendon Ruth
McReynolds Jim
Menendez Jose
Merritt Tommy
Miklos Robert
Miller Doug
Moody Joe
Naishtat Elliott
Oliveira Rene
Olivo Dora
Ortiz Solomon
Pena Aaron
Pickett Joe
Pierson Paula
Pitts Jim
Quintanilla Chente
Raymond Richard
Rios Ybarra Tara
Ritter Allan
Rodriguez Eddie
Rose Patrick
Smith Todd
Solomons Burt
Strama Mark
Straus Joe
Thibaut Kristi
Thompson Senfronia
Turner Chris
Vaught Allen
Veasey Marc
Villarreal Mike
Vo Hubert
Walle Armando
Listen to KSEV 700 AM in Houston this afternoon with Dan Patrick. 4:00 - 6:00 PM
The two hosts this morning were discussing the new Democrat in the Speakers seat. They equated that with the Republicans giving up and giving away on something they controlled.
Listen to KSEV 700 AM in Houston this afternoon with Dan Patrick. 4:00 - 6:00 PM
The two hosts this morning were discussing the new Democrat in the Speakers seat. They equated that with the Republicans giving up and giving away on something they controlled.
This is absolutely disgusting! Democrats run our legislature now in Texas...wow!!!!
forgot to turn on sarcasm alert.
He is a (R)ino, supported by most state democrats.
That Ship Has Sailed.
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