FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bryan Hughes
November 10, 2010
903-569-8880

Today after much prayer and counsel, I formally withdraw my support for Speaker Joe Straus. Ido this with no malice toward the Speaker or any other member.

Over the past several days I have heard from an increasing number of my constituents andsupporters. Their unanimous voice has called for me to withdraw my support of Speaker Straus.
My decision, though not a light one, was made clearer after a phone call I received over theweekend from a member of Speaker Straus's leadership team. This member brought up the
subject of redistricting and explained to me how that process would be used to punish thosemembers not on Speaker Straus's list of supporters.

More specifically, this member told me that maps were already being drawn to get rid of Representative-Elect Erwin Cain (R-Sulphur Springs) and Representative Dan Flynn (R-Van),
because they were not on the Speaker's list of supporters.

I was then told that I had nothing to worry about in redistricting, so long as I stayed on the Speaker’s list.

This conversation first saddened and then disgusted me.

Using the redistricting process for retribution reminds us of all that is wrong with politics. The Speaker's race should be decided not based on threats of punishment and not on promises of
power, but on principle.

The people of Texas have chosen us to speak for them. As we prepare to cast our first vote on their behalf, we should lay aside our ambition for powerful committees, stand against the threats,and support the Speaker candidate who best represents our conservative principles.