Straus hires Karen Hughes as strategist

AUSTIN (AP) - Texas House Speaker Joe Straus said he hired former presidential aide Karen Hughes for his political team.

Straus said Hughes, who was a high-level adviser to former President George W. Bush , will serve as his communications counselor. The speaker also said he has named Austin attorney Gordon Johnson to serve as senior counselor.

Both will be employed by his committee, Texans for Joe Straus . He made the announcement Tuesday.

Straus said they will help him as he prepares for his re-election campaign and the next session of the Texas Legislature .

Earlier this week, Straus, R-San Antonio, announced that his campaign committee had more than $1.2 million in cash on hand.

Straus has announced 123 legislators pledged to support him to be re-elected speaker.