So what was it tonight that finally convinced House Speaker Tom Craddick to throw in the towel, a move even state Rep. Joe Pickett said he didn't expected from the Midland Republican?
I asked state Rep. Will Hartnett, R-Dallas, that question tonight as a maelstrom of reporters descended on him when he tried to go into Sullivans steakhouse to meet with Craddick.
"I didn't have a chance to ask him, but I think some of the Craddick Ds left his team, and he just decided it was getting too tight and wanted to make sure we had the best shot possible," Hartnett said.
Looking at the State Rep. Joe Straus list it appears six of the 10 Craddick Ds who had not signed the "Under No Circumstances" pledge, signed on with the San Antonio Republican speaker candidate.
Those who are on the Straus list: Dawnna Dukes, of Austin; Kino Flores, of Palmview; Helen Giddings, of Dallas; Tracy King, of Batesville; Ruth Jones McClendon, of San Antonio; and, Aaron Peña, of Edinburg.
Those who are not: Harold Dutton, of Houston; Al Edwards, of Houston; Ryan Guillen, of Rio Grande City; and, Sylvester Turner, of Houston.
Rumor has it Straus could name more names tomorrow. Stay tuned.
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