Straus becomes House Speaker

    AUSTIN - Rep. Joe Straus, a 49-year-old moderate Republilcan from San Antonio, became the new Speaker of the  Texas House of Representatives after he was unanimously elected by his colleagues.

    The election highlighted the opening day of the 81st Legislature and came less than two weeks after Straus emerged as a suprise concensus candidate to replace House Speaker Tom Craddick, who backed away from seeking re-election but remains a representative from Midland.

     Members rose in applause and cheers after Straus was chosen by acclamation .  Six of  his colleagues spoke in his behalf, saying the new speaker would lead the House and in a new direction and away from the divisiveness that many members blamed on Craddick's leadership.