One more Democrat seeks speaker job

AUSTIN (AP) -

A Houston Democrat has added his name to the growing list of lawmakers seeking to replace Republican House Speaker Tom Craddick. Rep. Scott Hochberg has filed the necessary paperwork to begin campaigning for the job, bringing the number of candidates to nine — four Republicans and five Democrats.

The 150-member chamber will elect their leader in January during the opening week of the legislative session.

With two seats still in limbo, Tuesday's election closed the Republican lead to a razor-thin 76-74 advantage, setting off a sure-to-be chaotic speaker's race.

Hochberg, an electrical engineer by trade, is known as a school finance guru.