To eliminate Joe Straus (and Bill Powers), first bury Dan Branch

"Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,"
Psalm 37:1-2

Following the buzz our Scott Turner piece generated last week, a friend asked what they could do to help.  The speaker's race won't heat up until late summer.  In the meantime, one runoff stands out:

Bury Dan Branch by a wide margin.

Dan Branch is the highest profile Straus lieutenant in a runoff.  Branch was one of Straus' original band of RINO backstabbers; he's currently Straus' handpicked higher-ed committee chairman.  Joe Straus can't use the restroom unless Dan Branch provides a reach-around shake.

When electing a Texas House Speaker, remember that the electorate is the members.  In a speaker's race, only 150 votes matter.  Those 150 members will vote their political interest (as they see it).

For those members to turn on Straus, they need to see support for Straus as more harmful than the money Straus brings to the table.  The March primary sent that lesson.  The May runoff needs to re-enforce it.

In 2012, Ted Cruz beat Dewhurst with 56% in the runoff; when Ken Paxton beats Branch with 57% (or higher), the direction of movement will become undeniable.

Scott Turner will be a great Speaker, but he's still an underdog.  For Scott to win, the members need to fear the Tea Party more than they covet Straus' blood money.  The next step in that process is to make an example out of Dan Branch.