Jewishness Raised in Texas Speaker Race

Troubling news from the Lone Star State, as opponents of Joe Straus, the Republican current speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, are sending mass emails arguing that the House leader ought to be someone from the ranks of “Christians and true Conservatives.” One adds, “Joe Straus is pro-abortion. In fact, his rabbi sits on the board of San Antonio Planned Parenthood.” Straus fired back yesterday; an ally called for an end to “religious bigotry” in the race.

So it seems ugly. But aren’t we burying the lede? Isn’t the real story that the speaker of the Texas House of Representatives is a pro-choice Jewish Republican? Does Kinky Friedman know about this?

In Texas Race, Foes of Speaker Stressing His Jewishness [JTA]
Use of Religion Criticized in Texas Speaker’s Race [AP/Austin American-Statesman]