Only a couple of days after picking former Democratic state rep Clyde Alexander as a special adviser, speaker-apparent Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, has already promoted his fellow San Antonian to become his Chief of Staff. Former Republican state senator Cyndi Taylor Krier remains as a senior adviser, at least through the transition.
In a press release, Straus said:
This has been an extraordinary week for all of us in the Texas House. I am gratified by the support and friendship of so many Members, uniting to serve the people’s business.
I am honored that Clyde has accepted to return to his beloved House, in a fulltime role at my side. Clyde’s insights and advice are essential to me. Clearly, Clyde shares my fervent desire to do what is best for the body.
Cyndi’s counsel at this critical time is invaluable to me and to Clyde. I have asked Cyndi to continue indefinitely in her volunteer role as my Senior Adviser.”
On a pure experience level, picking Alexander over Krier makes sense because he actually sat in the House. But it also sends a clear message that when Straus appoints a Democrat to his team, it’s not a Democrat in Name Only (coughronwilsoncough.)
This article appears in January 9 • 2009.
