AUSTIN, Texas — The Executive Committee of the Harris County Republican Party (HCRP), representing the largest county in Texas, has voted to endorse State Representative Scott Turner (R-Frisco) in the race for Speaker of the House over the incumbent, Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio). 

The vote was taken at a standing room only HCRP committee meeting, according to a report by Charles Blain at Empower Texans. [Disclosure: Empower Texans President Michael Quinn Sullivan is a Breitbart Texas contributor.] The Executive Committee is made up of all the Republican Precinct Chairs in the county. Blain wrote that the support for Turner was “unwavering,” and only a voice vote was needed to pass the resolution by a large margin. The resolution cites Turner’s conservative record and states that “the Executive Committee of Harris County Republican Party wishes to recognize Scott Turner as being worthy of such an honor and capable of such a responsibility” of being Speaker of the Texas House. of Representatives.

Blain also reported that there were concerns about retaliation during the debate before the vote:

During the open debate portion one precinct chair said, “supporting Turner would cause Straus to retaliate against Harris County.” In response, someone shouted from across the room, “that proves why he should not be speaker and does not deserve our support.”

The Dallas County Republican Party Executive Committee passed a similar resolution last month, as Breitbart Texas reported. The Republican Executive Committees in Collin and Smith Counties have also publicly endorsed Turner. 

Only State Representatives can actually cast a ballot for Speaker, but the list of Republican Executive Committees and conservative leaders across Texas endorsing Turner illustrates a growing divide between the state’s grassroots activists and their elected representatives. The Representatives who have publicly endorsed Straus have found themselves facing harsh criticism from constituents who are frustrated over Straus’ more moderate positions, perhaps most notably on the issue of abortion.

The official vote for Speaker will be on January 13, 2015, after the new Representatives-elect are sworn into office.

The full text of the HCRP resolution endorsing Turner:

“Whereas Scott Turner was born and raised in Texas, and is a 4th generation Texan;

“Whereas Representative Scott Turner, since his election to the Texas House of Representatives in 2012 has fought for government transparency and efficiency, fought for tax relief for hard working Texans and small business owners, supports pro-life, and supports school choice;

“Whereas Representative Scott Turner is recognized by GOPAC as one of Texas’ emerging leaders, is recognized as a top rated conservative by Texas Eagle Forum, has a 100% rating with Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, and has an ‘A’ rating by the NRA;

“Whereas Representative Scott Turner has announced his intention to run for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives when it convenes in January, 2015, and

“Whereas the Executive Committee of Harris County Republican Party wishes to recognize Scott Turner as being worthy of such an honor and capable of such a responsibility;

“IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Executive Committee of Harris County Republican Party supports Representative Scott Turner for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.”

Photo credit: Scott Turner via Facebook.

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