Perry backs Straus in District 121 race(Texas House)

Gov. Rick Perry has endorsed Joe Straus III, the Republican candidate for House District 121, adding to Straus' arsenal of support in the conservative-leaning district.

"Joe Straus has the experience, the skills and the knowledge to be a great state representative for San Antonio," Perry said Sunday. "With the Legislature already in session, I know that Joe will be able to step in and immediately make a difference as we work to improve public education for Texas children, keep traffic moving and help keep our economy growing."

Straus faces Democrat Rose Spector and independent Paul Silber in the race for the seat, vacated earlier this month when Perry appointed state Rep. Elizabeth Ames Jones to the three-member Texas Railroad Commission.

A fourth candidate, Republican Glen S. Starnes, withdrew his name from the race last week, though his name will appear on the ballot, Bexar County elections officials said.

http://www.texansforjoestraus.com/events.html

Editorial: Straus the best choice for empty House seat
Web Posted: 01/26/2005 12:00 AM CST
San Antonio Express-News

Voters don't have much time to learn about the candidates in the special election to fill the vacant Texas House
District 121 position.

The vacancy was created when Gov. Rick Perry announced his intention to appoint Elizabeth Ames Jones to the
Texas Railroad Commission, and Jones opted not to be sworn in for a third term in the House seat.

Four candidates are seeking the position in a Feb. 5 special election that Perry quickly called to fill the seat so the
Bexar County district will have representation during most of the ongoing legislative session. Early voting started
Tuesday.

We recommend Joe Straus III. Straus hasn't sought elected office until now, but he has been a behind-the-scenes
Republican player for more than 20 years, managing a congressional race and raising funds for statewide candidates.

He also worked in the U.S. Treasury Department for three years during President Reagan's first term and in the U.S.
Commerce Department under former President Bush.

Straus' relationship with state political leaders will give him the fastest possible start in a difficult situation.

In additional to his political activities, Straus runs his own independent financial services business.

Straus has the knowledge, skills and personality to become an exceptional state representative.

The expedited timeline means voters will encounter somewhat confusing conditions as they attempt to cast their
ballots in the race.

The election is being conducted with paper ballots. The simultaneous Alamo Community College District bond and
San Antonio River Authority board election is being conducted on touch-screen voting equipment.

Election officials opted for paper ballots in the House race because they did not have time to test equipment for the
contest.

The Bexar County Justice Center is the only location offering early voting for both elections, although two other early
voting locations have been set up for the special House election and numerous others are available for the ACCD
and SARA election.

On election day, polling places in the House district will provide voting in both elections.

Voting sites and times for both elections are available online at mysanantonio.com, keyword "politics."

JOE STRAUS KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN FOR STATE HOUSE SEAT IN UPCOMING SPECIAL ELECTION
Local Businessman is First in Race to fill District 121 Vacancy

San Antonio, TX-- In the wake of Rep. Elizabeth Ames Jones appointment to the Texas Railroad Commission, Joe
Straus has stepped forward as the first official candidate for the House seat in District 121. The special election has
been set for Saturday, February 5th.

Bexar County Commissioner Lyle Larson introduced Straus at a press conference in front of Garner Middle School
today as a man he “respects for his dedication to public service and his willingness to step forward in this election.”
Surrounded by family and supporters, Straus said he will run hard to see that the district is represented again as soon
as possible.

“There are important issues being considered in the Capitol in this legislative session and our district needs to fill this
vacancy with a person who knows our district, knows the issues and knows how the government process works. I
am prepared to represent our district’s values much like Representative Jones has done,” said Straus.

The sole proprietor of an insurance investment and employee benefits business, Straus is no stranger to government
and politics. The Republican activist served in both the Reagan and Bush Administrations in the Treasury Dept. (U.S.
Customs Service—Asst. to the Commissioner) and U.S. Dept. of Commerce—(Deputy Director of Business
Liaison) respectively. Straus also served as Campaign Manager for U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith in his first run for the U.
S. Congress.

“Joe is the ideal candidate to represent District 121 because he shares our concerns and he is the most prepared to
hit the ground running,” said Larson. “I trust his guiding principles and I know he will be a strong voice in the
legislature.”

A native of San Antonio, 45-year-old Straus and his wife Julie are the parents of 13-year-old Sara and 11-year-old
Robyn. Straus believes his record and passion will help him win the community’s trust in the short run-up to the
election. District 121 encompasses the North Central and Northeast areas of the San Antonio metropolitan area
including Terrell Hills, Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Windcrest and stretching up to the Comal County border.

Early voting in this election will begin Wednesday, January 26th.

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