The incumbent speaker of the Texas House has been endorsed by dozens of fellow Republicans despite his soft stance on abortion.
According to a
Breitbart report, Joe Straus has the support of 73 Republican representatives and representatives-elect. Straus became speaker of the House in 2009 and hopes to be re-elected by his peers over Republican challenger Scott Turner on Jan. 13, when new lawmakers take office.
Turner, reports Breitbart, has a stronger record on
pro-life issues. The website reported earlier this month that Straus has not voted on any crucial abortion-regulation bills since he became speaker. He also, according to the report, did not allow any pro-life bills to come to the House floor during last year's regular session.
Pro-life Republicans hold nearly a two-thirds majority in the Texas House, a group that includes Turner. Straus almost has enough votes (he needs 76) from Republicans to remain as speaker , and says Democrats will vote for him because he is a more moderate choice than Turner.
"We'll have a vote, and I expect to win," Straus said in a
San Antonio Express News report. "I have a strong majority of both parties supporting me, and I think the House is pulling together and ready to go to work on the issues that are really important."
The Express News report says Straus supporters point to stricter abortion regulations, a jump in funding for border security, and other issues Straus has worked on during his time as speaker that demonstrate his conservative policies.
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