Two of three speaker candidates in Fort Worth tonight

Two of the three official candidates for Speaker of the House will be at a meet-and-greet in Fort Worth tonight. State Reps. Warren Chisum and Ken Paxton, both Republicans, will attend a meeting organized by the 912 Project Fort Worth and the Tarrant Republican Assembly.

The event is being heavily promoted by area Tea Party groups fresh off midterm election wins. Several of the groups immediately jumped straight into the Speakers Race following Election Day. Communications from the groups to its members have criticized current House Speaker Joe Straus or questioned whether he is conservative enough to hold the position in next year's legislative session.

A spokesman for Straus' office confirmed this morning that Straus did not receive an invitation to tonight's event.

This week, some attacks on Straus from conservative activists have drawn criticism for delving into Straus' Jewish faith.

-Aman Batheja

Comments

[Toby Belch]

I honestly don't understand why we are having a forum on this. This isn't a primary or general election campaign. And only the House gets to vote. Maybe the candidates should be meeting with the only people who are constitutionally (can't stress that enough) eligible to vote for Speaker: the members of the House.

[Mad as heck and not taking it anymore]

I am happy that there appears to be more openess and choice in this legislature than previously. The voters appreciate knowing more about those potentially in charge.