Joe Straus Credit: Photo by Jana Birchum

Speaker Joe Straus has re-enforced his position as a consensus-driven leader by collecting 106 pledge cards for his run to be speaker in 2011. At 5pm on Friday, June 5, Straus’ office released a list of 98 state reps from both parties supporting his candidacy, with another eight names added by 9pm that night. Straus said he was “humbled and honored” by the support, calling it “a clear indication that members of both parties can set aside their differences to work together.” As nonbinding gestures of good will, the pledges strengthen Straus’ hand against potential challengers and re-enforce the widely held belief that he will be speaker of a Republican-run or hung House. But if Democrats take the lower chamber in November 2010, they’re unlikely to leave a Republican in charge.

This article appears in June 12 • 2009.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.