Paxton not backing out of speaker's race

Collin County legislator Ken Paxton says he won't bow out of Tuesday's formal vote on a new speaker, despite a resounding show of support for incumbent Speaker Joe Straus in an unusual meeting this afternoon of the House Republican Caucus.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/dUfiTV

Tea party activist criticizes Stefani Carter, R-Dallas, for support of Straus in Texas House speaker race

There's already friction between a local tea party leader and one of the Republicans newly elected to the state House. In a recent open letter, Dallas tea party activist Ken Emanuelson expressed "considerable dismay" that Stefani Carter, R-Dallas, was supporting incumbent Joe Straus for House speaker.

Gromer Jeffers: http://dallasne.ws/gqDg3K

Texas speaker race means war among Republicans

AUSTIN – House Republicans have launched open warfare against one another as they vent spleen and fight over whether Joe Straus should remain speaker. In open letters and news releases that came very close to being vitriolic, members on Wednesday impugned each other's integrity and warned that dangerous new lows were being set for what's acceptable in a no-holds-barred leadership contest.


Garrett is following the story: http://dallasne.ws/cv0o4P

Rep. Leo Berman of Tyler plans run for Texas House speaker

The AP reports:
AUSTIN, Texas – Republican state Rep. Leo Berman of Tyler is running for speaker of the Texas House during the 2011 legislative session.
http://tinyurl.com/267vmc4

Lame duck budget writer: It's not as bad as '03

Bob Garrett's over at the Capitol covering the House Committee on Appropriations, filing to Trail Blazers as they go.

Primary election results not likely to shift leadership in Texas Legislature

AUSTIN – While voters rejected five House incumbents in Tuesday's primaries, every senator who filed to run for re-election was renominated – even one in Waco who stopped campaigning. Garrett reports.