Texas House Speaker Joe Straus: A Brief History

Jan. 14, 2003: Rep. Tom Craddick of Midland becomes the first Republican House Speaker since Reconstruction.Feb. 5, 2007: Joe Straus wins special election to represent San Antonio district in the Texas House.May 8, 2007: Craddick opponents stage dramatic late-night walkout to protest what they decried as his autocratic leadership style.Jan. 3, 2009: Straus emerges as the favorite to replace Craddick. The moderate Republican secured the support of House Democrats and 10 key Republican lawmakers.Jan. 13, 2009: Straus is elected speaker by a voice vote of the House chamber.Dec. 1, 2010: Conservative Republican Reps. Warren Chisum of Pampa and Ken Paxton of McKinney launch bids to unseat Straus, whom they view as too moderate.Jan. 11, 2011: Straus is re-elected, 132-15, with two present but not voting.May 30, 2012: Then-Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, announces he will challenge Straus in 2013.  Continue reading...