By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
Austin, TX – A group of Texas House members referred to as the ABC Republicans- Anybody But Craddick Republicans- say they will back San Antonio Representative Joe Straus to replace Speaker Tom Craddick.
Craddick is the legislature's longest serving Republican. House members elected him Speaker in 2003. But Democrats and some in Craddick's own party have criticized Craddick for punishing representatives who disagree with him.
State Representative Brian McCall of Plano, a member of the anti-Craddick group,recommended Straus to reporters Friday evening by describing him as a lifelong Republican who has served in the administrations of the first President Bush and President Reagan.
Rep. Jim Pitts of Waxahachie says Straus will offer a "new start" for House members who have argued bitterly over Tom Craddick's management style.
Both Pitts and McCall competed to replace Craddick during previous sessions, but pledged their support to Straus for the Speaker's election which will take place January 13, the first day of the 2009 legislative session. Straus must have the votes of at least 76 House members, a majority, to be elected Speaker.
At least eleven Republicans are part of the group that met at a member's Austin home and anointed Straus. House Democrat Pete Gallegos says 64 House Democrats are also expected to support the GOP's anti-Craddick opponent.
Straus supporters claim their candidate will have additional Republican votes to win.
Straus was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in a special election in February 2005. He is a principal in the San Antonio insurance and executive benefits firm of Watson, Mazur, Bennett & Straus, and represents portions of San Antonio and Bexar counties. He currently serves on the House's Economic Development and Regulated Industries committees. House Democrats and Craddick supporters plan to meet in strategy sessions this weekend..