Tea Party-Backed Turner Not Seeking Texas House Re-Election
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The former NFL defensive end who led an unsuccessful tea party revolt against incumbent Texas House Speaker Joe Straus isn't seeking another term in office.
Second-term Rockwall Republican Rep. Scott Turner wrote to constituents Thursday that he wouldn't run in November 2016.
He was drafted by the chamber's fiercest conservatives to challenge Straus, a San Antonio Republican who was seeking his fourth term as speaker.
Unlike announced challenges the previous two sessions — when conservatives vowed to run for speaker but backed out — Tuner forced a floor vote to open the legislative session in January.
It was the first of its kind in 40 years, but Straus won 128-19. Turner and his supporters subsequently struggled to pass bills or influence key committees.
The legislative session ended June 1.
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