Joe Straus, the Texas House Speaker, is retiring. Owl 69 seems to like him if I recall correctly. He's probably not considered a RINO but he's also not nearly as conservative as Abbott or Patrick, so who knows for sure. In any case, I think his retiring is more surprising than Flake or Corker.

(10-25-2017 03:32 PM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  Joe Straus, the Texas House Speaker, is retiring. Owl 69 seems to like him if I recall correctly. He's probably not considered a RINO but he's also not nearly as conservative as Abbott or Patrick, so who knows for sure. In any case, I think his retiring is more surprising than Flake or Corker.

From his facebook page-definitely not pulled from Trump's past speeches (especially his later quote from George HW Bush):

"...I believe that in a representative democracy, those who serve in public office should do so for a time, not for a lifetime. And so I want you to know that my family and I have decided that I will not run for re-election next year. My time as a State Representative and as Speaker will end at the conclusion of my current term.
Just as my ascension to the Speaker’s office was unconventional and my approach to governing is unusual in these divisive times, I know this is also an unexpected decision. It’s been decades since someone has left the Speaker’s office on his own terms. But we have accomplished what I had hoped the House would accomplish when I first entered this office, and I am increasingly eager to contribute to our state in new and different ways.
Instead of acting on behalf of the entire House, I will now have a greater opportunity to express my own views and priorities. I will also continue to work for a Republican Party that tries to bring Texans together instead of us pulling us apart. Our party should be dynamic and forward-thinking, and it should appeal to our diverse population with an optimistic vision that embraces the future. I plan to be a voice for Texans who want a more constructive and unifying approach to our challenges, from the White House on down...."

Good for him. A true citizen legislator for a change, the way it was intended. Not a career pol, riding coattails of incumbency for decades on end.

Kudos, sir.