TribBlog: Paxton Announces For Speaker

State Rep. Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, is throwing his hat in the ring to be the next speaker of the House.

Paxton released a statement this morning, saying, "Republicans have the opportunity to unify behind a conservative Speaker who can effectively lead our Party on the principles our citizens espouse. As someone who has continuously served as an advocate for conservative principles, I am announcing my candidacy for the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives."

His statement also shed some light on his agenda. He asserts that the Republican majority has "a unique opportunity and an obligation to do more than simply balance the budget without raising taxes." He lists the following additional opportunities:

•    Implement measures to reduce property taxes permanently over time;

•    Aggressively fight back on the federal government’s invasion on the rights of Texans, and in fact reclaim our state sovereignty;

•    Limit our state government’s ability to grow beyond the rate of inflation and population;

•    Pass true immigration reform and implement photo id;

•    Provide opportunities for individuals and families to make important decisions such as health care options that are free from governmental intrusion and mandates; and

•    Challenge ourselves to bring solutions to the table that create jobs, sustain economic prosperity, and continue to make Texas a shining light for generations to come.

Paxton joins an already contentious battle between Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, and state Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa.