San Antonio Republican Joe Straus was re-elected to his fourth term as House Speaker today in the first vote of the 84th Texas Legislature. Straus defeated Frisco Republican Scott Turner 128-19. Turner, who represents Rockwall County and part of Collin County (District 33), was supported in his challenge by Tea Party groups and others who said Straus was insufficiently conservative.
Lawmakers from the KETR listening area came down on both sides of the vote. Stuart Spitzer (District 4 - Henderson and Kaufman Counties), Bryan Hughes (District 5 - Camp, Morris, Rains, Smith, Titus and Wood Counties) and Scott Sanford (Collin County) voted for Turner.
Gary VanDeaver (District 1 - Bowie, Franklin, Lamar and Red River Counties), Dan Flynn (District 2 - Hopkins, Hunt, Van Zandt Counties), Larry Phillips (District 62 - Delta, Fannin and Grayson Counties) and Jodie Laubenberg (Collin County) voted for Straus.
