ABBOTT BACKS PHELAN FOR TEXAS HOUSE SPEAKER

  

Gov. Greg Abbott has thrown his support behind a Texas House speaker candidate who the state’s GOP chairman calls a “political traitor” for aligning with Democrats.

Republican state Rep. Dade Phelan has claimed he has overwhelming support to become the new speaker when the Texas Legislature reconvenes in January.

Phelan would succeed Republican Dennis Bonnen, who did not seek reelection in the wake of the release of a recorded conversation in which he was heard seeking help to defeat members of his own party.

Abbott called Phelan is a “strong conservative” and praised his role in authoring and passing disaster relief legislation following Hurricane Harvey.

His support came a day after Texas GOP Chairman Allen West claimed the party would “not support, nor accept” Phelan.  The comments by West, a former Florida congressman, have also drawn backlash from other state Republicans.