On the first day of the new legislative session members in the Texas House of Representatives have overwhelmingly re-elected Rep. Joe Straus, a San Antonio Republican, to his fourth term as Speaker of the House.
Straus captured 128 votes against challenger Rep. Scott Turner, a Frisco Republican with tea party backing who had just 19 votes.
In nominating speeches prior to the vote supporters praised Straus for his bipartisan leadership of the House. Rep. Rene Olivera, a Brownsville Democrat, said Straus’ experience in the position will be needed as the legislature watches falling oil prices and the impact they may have on the state’s budget.
