Texas House Speaker who blocked bathroom bill will not seek reelection

[dalton99a]

http://www.chron.com/news/politics/texas/article/Straus-won-t-run-again-for-Speaker-House-12305192.php
Straus won't run again for Texas Speaker or return to House
Also out is Byron Cook, a top Straus lieutenant in the House
By Andrea Zelinski | Updated 11:01 am, Wednesday, October 25, 2017

AUSTIN — House Speaker Joe Straus will not run again to lead the chamber, leaving the powerful leadership seat up for grabs in 2019.

In a letter to supporters, Straus said he will not run for reelection to the House next year, giving up his north San Antonio seat.

Straus encountered much turbulence in this year's legislative session, frequently butting heads with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott and a conservative caucus in his chamber over social issues like which bathrooms transgender people can use.

Also out is a top Straus lieutenant in the House, Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, who chairs the state affairs committee.

[hamsterjill]

1. Very scary.

The loonies will take over even more without him in their way.

Is there anyone on DU outside of Texas who will take me and a bunch of cats????? I need outta Texas...

[Sneederbunk]

5. Yes, if you bring brisket.

[Gothmog]

2. This is horrible news

Joe Strauss is a sane republican

[Paladin]

3. As if we Texas DU'ers aren't fucked enough.

Terrible, terrible news.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

4. Republicans are cowards

Instead of fighting for us when they need to, they flee.