Republicans unite behind new speaker

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The so-called "conservative" Republicans have agreed to give the presumptive new Speaker of the Texas House a "honeymoon phase" in order to unite the party against the Democrats. In a letter sent to the former supporters of current Speaker Tom Craddick, Rep. Will Hartnett (R-Dallas) said it was time to stand behind Straus.

"Several of our colleagues received solicitations from Straus lieutenants yesterday, and asked me if I thought it was OK to join with Straus," said Hartnett's email. "I told them I thought that they should join. Today I visited with Smithee and Craddick about this, and they concurred. The new political reality is upon us, and we cannot ignore it. Last night I received a solicitation as well. At this point, I feel that we should support Straus, if for no other reason than to circle our wagons against the imminent Democratic onslaught which will seek to elect a Democratic speaker in 2011. The Republicans should allow Straus a "honeymoon," because he will need it to get ready to fight off Part Two of Dunnam's strategy. I expect to announce my support for Straus tomorrow afternoon. I'll be happy to discuss this with you if you like."

In his first one-on-one televised interview since announcing he was running for Speaker, Rep. Straus responded to his colleagues' change of heart.

"I welcome the support," he said. "I will enthusiastically embrace them as well so going forward there is no us and them, not only in the Republican Party but in the Democratic Party."

The interview in its entirety will Sunday morning on Session ’09 on Austin News In-Depth at 9:30 a.m., right before Meet the Press.