Texas Speaker Joe Straus’ Future the Subtext of House Republicans’ Private Huddle

AUSTIN -- The House Republican Caucus on Wednesday privately discussed how to heal internal rifts amid a storm of intraparty criticism of Speaker Joe Straus' leadership.Straus, his allies and his leading critics, as they emerged from the 90-minute meeting, declared it was a positive and constructive huddle.Moments before, loud applause could be heard inside a committee room in a Capitol complex building as House Republicans concluded their meeting.Several participants said members all stood and clapped to thank Straus for his five sessions of service as the chamber's presiding officer.  Continue reading...