José Menéndez Delivered Nomination Speech For Straus

State Rep. José Menéndez (D-San Antonio) yesterday delivered the formal speech nominating State Rep. Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.

This is particularly notable because it marks an historic first for the Texas House. At no time in modern history (that we are aware of) has a member from the opposite party as the nominee for speaker actually placed the name of the speaker candidate in nomination. While seconding speeches have come from both parties, no Democrat ever placed a Republican’s name in nomination for speaker, or vice versa.

The full text of his remarks as recorded in the House Journal are below:

Madam Secretary, members of the 81st Legislature, distinguished guests, family, friends, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you.

Secretary of State Andrade, thank you so much for joining us today. Even though you’ve recently started serving as our secretary of state, you bring a life-long commitment to Texas and your public service is truly distinguished. Our state continues to be a respected and wonderful place to live and raise our families because of your selfless leadership.

To my new colleagues, welcome to “The People’s House.” I know you join me in our pledge to give our very best efforts in making this the most productive and responsive legislature in Texas history.

Please join me in extending a special welcome to Representative Straus’ family. His lovely wife Julie and their daughters, Robyn and Sara. To his mother and father, Joci and Joe Straus. We also welcome his sister and brother-in-law, Pete and Lynn Selig, his mother-in-law, Barbara Brink, and Julie’s sister, Sandy Cash. We are so glad that you could all be here today.

And to the citizens of Texas who have joined us, welcome and thank you for your support, confidence, and loyalty. You are the most important focus of our work here in the days to come.

Friends, after three children, four sessions, and 11 elections, you would think that not too much would make me nervous, but the honor of giving this important speech has had me up since 4 a.m. As a representative from San Antonio, the birth place of Texas, I am humbled that my friend, Joe Straus, has asked me to address you today as we turn a new page in our state’s history.

An often overlooked facet of the Battle of the Alamo was the inclusive nature of those who volunteered to defend what we know as the cradle of Texas liberty. The defenders of the Alamo included citizens from all walks of life, just as this body does today. Even as those walls were breached, they remained united in purpose and committed to each other. I believe it fitting that the next leader of the Texas House was raised in the shadow of the Alamo, because he will unquestionably bring the same leadership and commitment to the office of speaker.

I’ve been asked why, as a proud Democrat, I feel so positively about Joe, an unabashed Republican. Well, I could go on about what a great son, husband, father, and Texan he is, but an early event best tells the story how skillfully the then newest member from San Antonio would wisely use his position in accomplishing a vital goal that affects thousands of Texans. The 79th Session did not have a budget surplus to speak of, and every dollar was being watched carefully. An issue surfaced on fulfilling a matching funds commitment to continue the work of the only publicly funded cord blood bank in the state, intended to provide thousands of Texas families life saving resources. As I grappled with the challenge to find a solution, Joe agreed to work on this bipartisan issue with me. In the face of strong opposition from one of the most influential state agencies, Joe Straus gave a glimpse of his wisdom and leadership: he respectfully listened to all sides of the argument, thought for a moment, smiled and simply asked, “what is the right thing to do here?” Today, Texas has a highly successful and growing cord blood bank that is available to every family and will provide vital opportunities for thousands of our children for years to come.

The needs of this house, the rights of Texas citizens, and the promise for the future rest in the new leadership that is represented by Joe Straus. Not long ago I had a conversation about what constituted leadership. Is it merely a learned trait or one that comes naturally? In truth it is both, but I believe that the core of leadership comes from the heart. It is about character, integrity, and commitment. It is about the courage to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing while still honoring and protecting the rights of others to disagree.

Joe Straus has proudly served District 121 from San Antonio, and he exemplifies this type of leadership. He is unquestionably prepared to bring these values to this chamber, ensuring that the house of representatives serves the interests of all Texans.

Madam Secretary and members, it is my great honor and privilege to respectfully place in nomination, as the next speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, the name of a son of San Antonio and a fine leader for our great state, the Honorable Joe Straus III. Thank you, and God bless our country, our magnificent state, and each and every one of you.

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