Unless something unexpected happens (which has defined the process up until now), the next speaker of the Texas House will be Joe Straus (R-San Antonio). He this evening surpassed 98 pledges of support (needing only 76) and the remaining Republican candidates bowed out.
We congratulate Mr. Straus on so quickly garnering support and look forward to working with him on the issues facing Texas’ families in the 81st Session.
Mr. Straus’ demonstrated ability to organize his colleagues will serve the state well in addressing the important challenges before us. With the bleak national economic situation starting to creep into the Lone Star State, Mr. Straus and his colleagues greatest concern must be to protect the health and strength of the state’s economy for all Texans by holding the line on spending while working to lower our burdensome property taxes.
