By Judylynn Lilly, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-813040.mp3
Austin, TX – The clear front-runner for Speaker of the Texas House today unveiled such a long a list of supporters, it almost assures him of the job. San Antonio Republican Joe Straus became the frontrunner after support for current Speaker Tom Craddick evaporated.
Everything about Straus' announcement was symbolic. It took place in the picturesque Capitol Rotunda. That's where about 50 republican and democratic house members surrounded the podium as Representative Joe Straus spoke to reporters.
Strauss: Every member of the House is concerned with the national economic events and crises that will affect the upcoming budget cycle. We must protect jobs in our state. We have a great story to tell. We have to keep it going. We must continue to improve public and higher education for our children and future workforce. We continue to have health care challenges as a state with over 24 million citizens. We have transportation and infrastructure issues that need to be addressed.
Straus says he called outgoing House Speaker Tom Craddick but was only able to speak to his chief of staff. He was, however, able to speak to his Republican opponent John Smithee of Amarillo. Straus says, ironically, he tried to recruit Smithee to be Speaker late last year.
Straus: I spoke to Smithee and I told him things were looking really good and we're adding to our numbers.
Straus says he's moved on from the contentious nature of the last session and is looking ahead to the 81st.
Straus: It's time to turn the page to move to a more positive tone in the house.