January 6, 2009
State Rep. John Smithee (R-Amarillo) pulled out of the race for the gavel late yesterday afternoon, paving the way for state Rep. Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) to become the next Speaker of the Texas House.
“I’ve decided with the consent and pretty much the consensus of the Republicans with me to drop the challenge,” said Smithee, talking to KVUE’s Elise Hu.
“To my knowledge there are no more challenges to Representative Straus,” said Smithee.
Watch Smithee here:
Straus responded to Smithee’s decision in a press release hailing the Amarillo legislator as both a “friend and a highly respected leader in the House.”
“John's difficult decision and gracious gesture is another step towards unity in the House," said Straus.
With Straus now a shoe-in, speculation is mounting in regard to the new pecking order in the House. The Speaker conducts the business of the lower chamber, maintains order during floor debate (recognizing legislators who wish to speak), appoints committees, doles out committee assignments and enforces House rules.
One interesting side-note
In the capitol building, all offices have been apportioned to legislators.
Except for two: Straus and state Rep. Tom Craddick (R-Midland). Straus won't mind taking Craddick’s old digs, but the Midlander might resent being relegated to the San Antonio sophomore's pad on floor 2.
Unfortunately for Cradddick, unless he resigns his seat, it might be the only place for him to set up a desk.
Editors note: Craddick may own a laptop. If so, there is a coffee shop two blocks from the capitol. (With free wireless.)
UPDATE:
According to the Austin American-Statesman, Craddick will partake in a straight switch with Straus. [link]
Get to know Joe: Straus on camera
An interview with the Houston Chronicle:
Straus’ press conference yesterday:
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Follow Ben Wright's coverage of the 81st session on Twitter at BenWrightNPT.