News

ABC Republicans Choose Straus

January 3, 2009 11:00 am by: KUT Staff

A small group of Republicans met January 2 to select one speaker candidate to oust long-time Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick.

Eleven Republicans called the ABC Republicans – the Anything But Craddick Republicans – chose Representative Joe Straus of San Antonio after meeting privately at the Austin home of State Rep. Byron Cook (R-Corsicana).

Straus has served two years in the Texas House.

Straus needs 76 votes to win Speaker. The House leans narrowly towards the Republicans with a split of 76-74. So it will take support from both parties to unseat Craddick.

House Speaker Tom Craddick released a short response after Representative Joe Straus was chosen.

“There are great challenges facing the state, and there are clear differences in experience and philosophy between Mr. Straus and myself. I am confident that I will be re-elected speaker.” -Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick

Members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus are meeting at noon on Saturday, January 3 at the AFL-CIO building in Austin to discuss ABC candidate Representative Joe Straus.

Speaker Craddick will meet with his supporters Sunday, January 4.

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