Originally published Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Comments (0) 
E-mail article 
Print view
Texas lawmakers elect first Jewish House speaker
The new speaker of the Texas House of Representatives says everyone's voice "can and should be heard" in the chamber marked by recent infighting and iron-fisted leadership.
Associated Press Writer
The new speaker of the Texas House of Representatives says everyone's voice "can and should be heard" in the chamber marked by recent infighting and iron-fisted leadership.
San Antonio Republican Joe Straus was elected Tuesday as the legislative session started. Straus, the first Jewish speaker since Texas became a state, replaces three-term Speaker Tom Craddick.
Straus won bipartisan support with promises to heal wounds from claims that Craddick had strong-armed lawmakers and two attempts to overthrow him failed. In his acceptance speech, Straus called the House a "place where we respect each other's points of view."
Democrats increased their seats in the last election, but Republicans kept control by a narrow 76-74 majority.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
More Nation & World headlines...
E-mail article 
Print view Share: 
Digg 
Newsvine
Obama seeks equal partnership in Asia
NYC trial for 9/11 suspects poses risks
Fort Hood gunman contacted Pakistan, lawmaker says
Immigration on White House agenda
Opening day at Crystal Mountain
Skiers crowded the slopes at Crystal Mountain for one of the resort's earliest openings.
Video shows violent arrest by SPD
Fort Lewis Memorial
Highlights: Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Seattle International Cabaret Festival
Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Medal of Honor
Pelosi answers questions at Swedish Medical Center
Pelosi speaks at Swedish Medical Center
"Pistol" Pete Ryan
nwjobs
Post a comment
Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
Open Houses | Find this weekend's open house listings.  Or search by location: |
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks
- Razor found in muffin an accident, 'mortified' baker says
- Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
- Suspect's family shaken by slaying of police officer
- Mountlake Terrace woman reports razor in muffin
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Police investigate videotaped arrest 631
- Seattle man to pack a pistol into community center to protest mayor's ban 195
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19 177
- GOP clueless as families struggle with health care 163
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday 134
- Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract 119
- Prosecutor weighs death penalty in police slaying 103
- Wright State game thread 97
- Person of interest in custody in connection with Greenwood arsons 95
- Rang says Locker not ready for NFL 85
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Washington in race for federal education funds
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Goodwill's Glitter Sale is Nov. 14-15
- Boeing: 787 fix is complete on first plane
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks
