Dems criticize speaker's meeting

AUSTIN (AP/KXAN) - Some Democrats Tuesday claimed GOP Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick used his office to "strong-arm" Libertarian challengers into dropping out of races. The criticism came after a Monday meeting between three members of Craddick's staff and Libertarian leaders. Both sides described the meeting as an effort to find common ground.

Last week, former state Representative Suzanna Hupp, a Republican from Lampasas, urged Libertarian candidates to quit key Texas House races. Texas Democratic Party chairman Boyd Richie says Craddick should be ashamed of "his bullying tactics." Craddick spokeswoman Alexis DeLee said there was no connection between Hupp's calls and Monday's meeting and no specific races were discussed. DeLee, who was in the meeting, said taxes, health care and voter identification were discussed.

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