AUSTIN — Rep. Joe Straus claimed enough votes Sunday night to be elected next week as speaker of the Texas House, a post that wields considerable influence over state priorities, including the amount of taxes you pay and the cost for you or your children to attend college. Assuming his supporters don't waver, the San Antonio Republican would assume one of the most powerful positions in state politics from incumbent Tom Craddick, a Midland Republican who dropped his bid to be re-elected as leader of the House. "He has withdrawn his candidacy and freed up his pledges," said Rep. Will...