Would GOP Balk if Democrats Back Bid to Oust Straus?
Joe Straus’ original sin, to hear some conservatives tell it, was to wrest the speakership from fellow Republican Tom Craddick in 2009 with a coalition that initially consisted of 15 Republicans and 70 Democrats.
In a party overwhelmed by hard-liners, Straus is still trying to smooth feathers ruffled by that first deal with the devil — even after his second legislative session in 2011 turned out conservative results that won boasts from Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst alike. Will Straus’ foes support someone else if it takes votes from liberal Democrats to mount a serious challenge to Straus ...
Comments (11)
Kenneth Franks
For Strauss and Dewhurst to be blamed for Perry not having enough to run on in in his Presidential bid is just a bit too far out there. Perry, a career politician, has made his largest mistake by not debating his former opponents for governor. Four debates in the last 12 years, none with his Democratic opponent Bill White and a poor performance with his primary opponents in 2010 Debra Medina and Kay Bailey Hutchison made him ill prepared to stand on the national stage. How serious a challenger David Simpson can be is yet to be seen but with Republicans split, Democrats will have some influence again on who is Speaker.
gypsy314 ne
I doubt democrats will since they support the rhino Joe.
D Karen Wilkerson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Simpson is a buffoon. If the Texas House elects him Speaker this session, then they get what they deserve.
Kenneth Franks
It's R.I.N.O. however Strauss doesn't exactly fit the label.
Mike Openshaw via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Joe Straus won Democrats over with lip service on getting some of their issues to the floor, which certainly did NOT happen this last time. Joe continues to let the Committee Chairs run EVERYTHING; the citizens did not vote for a dozen representatives, we voted on 150. More stuff needs to get to the floor for SHORT debates and up and down votes. That WILL benefit Democrats to at least get a full hearing- a recorded vote- and possibly even get a few things passed. I, as a Tea Party leader see no problem in that; it will force our GOP side to better learn the crafting of legislation in their own defense, which they sorely need to do.
Gregory S Windham via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I think it very likely that Simpson will call for a Secessionist's convention in Austin and try and become the Next President of Texas ...
Raz Shafer
For Straus it was a symptom of the problem. He was able to pull support from the Democrats and the most liberal of the Republican caucus in order to unseat Craddick.
A challenger to Straus would no doubt need some, if not sizable support from Democrats but the question would ultimately come down to a question of what was promised. In the case of a conservative challenge of the type I would like to see, I think Simpson's platform of cultivating a fair environment where the rules are constant bears a lot of appeal. Both conservative Republicans and Democrats were hurt by Straus' uneven use of rules/procedure in the last session and it could introduce a unique dynamic in the race.
namoyer
If Strauss needs Dems to stay Speaker, he's doomed. If he shuns/ignores Dems, House will be the outhouse of TX politicks.
Samdavis
Gypsy, every time you write something your TEA Party ignorance screams out loud. Strauss will get Democrat support if for no other reason than to keep Simpson out of control.
David Huber
Is time for Strauss to go now, and Simpson would make a great replacement!
Jim Baxa
The democrats would be wise to vote for Simpson who is a fair man. Unlike, Straus who goes by "my way or the highway." Straus is universally hated by both dems and repubs. Simpson is loved by both. Even thought the democrats dont agree with him on much, they know he is a fair and honorable man!