Perhaps the biggest piece of news out of Texas while we were on our break was the defeat of Tom Craddick to continue as Texas' Speaker of the House. Craddick's iron rule eventually led enough of his precious supporters--or House members he had been able to intimidate--to vote against him.
Straus is a Republican who represents San Antonio, meaning that he will be the first Speaker in decades who represents an urban district. This marks a significant change that will affect not only the process in the House (members are expected to have more input on bills and floor procedure are expected to be more open) but the agenda of the House as well (education, transportation and health care). He is also the first practicing Jew to be Speaker.
Here are links to news articles on the election and on Straus in general:
- Background on the Craddick's problems during the last session.
- Interview with Texas Monthly.
- The Joe Straus Era Begins.
- Straus' Record is Moderate and Independent.
- Governor Perry Supports Straus.
- Google Search for Texas Speaker Joe Straus.
