Berman Weighs In as Straus Is Re-elected

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – Moderate Republican Joe Straus has been overwhelmingly re-elected as speaker of the Texas House — and an East Texan figured into the activity. By a 132-15 vote, Straus successfully fended off a challenge from conservatives who wanted to replace him with one of their own. Two Republicans abstained from voting. Some conservative groups had warned that they would use the speaker’s vote to assess lawmakers’ performance at the end of the session. The House was on the verge of taking an anonymous voice vote, but Republican Rep. Leo Berman of Tyler abruptly requested the vote be recorded. As speaker, Straus presides over the House and is one of the most powerful men in state government. He sets the agenda and controls what legislation makes it to the House floor for consideration.