 Responsibility of Being Speaker
 The Constitution of 1836, which provided that a speaker would preside over the house of representatives in the congress of the republic, set the precedent for subsequent state constitutions to do the same for the legislature. Standing at the helm of the Texas House is the Speaker - a state representative who is elected by fellow Members of the House.
As such, it is the responsibility of the Speaker to set the tone of the Legislature through good leadership. Good leadership, at the most basic level, requires that the Speaker be committed to fair enforcement of the rules, opportunities for Members on committees, and passage of legislation that benefits and does not punish the people of this state. It is of the utmost importance that any Speaker be mindful of whom (s)he represents: the people across the state of Texas.
I agree with the Honorable Sam Rayburn that "Leadership is that intangible quality in an individual which makes men do better than themselves; which makes men dream greater dreams and do braver deeds. Leadership is that spirit which inspires men to work together in the name of a greater ideal without thought of self. Leadership united a whole people in a greater common cause."
(Sam Rayburn speech in Congress, August 30,
1941 as cited in Dulaney, H.G. and Edward Hake Phillips, eds. 1978. Speak,
Mr. Speaker, "Chapter VIII: Baptism of Fire 1941". Sam Rayburn Foundation,
Bohnam, TX: p. 83.)
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Everyone Will Have a Seat at the Table
 In order for the democratic process to work, there must be room for differing opinions to be heard. It is imperative, especially in these tempestuous times, to have an open mind and a strong sense of what is right and wrong. I do not fear a thought that is different from mine; and, instead, cherish that thought as an opportunity for further enlightenment. In the end, if I am elected Speaker, I know with complete certainty that all shall be heard and that I have fulfilled my oath to the office of Speaker and to all of the people of Texas. I would like to emphasize to all that the future of our state and the leadership of this body are not predetermined. You have the choice this 80th Legislative Session to elect a Speaker whom you know to be a friend of the people of Texas, a staunch advocate of freedom and fairness, and a person of vision, passion, and values. You have the choice to elect the 74th Speaker of the House and make your voices heard. You have the choice to hang on to the status quo or to embrace someone who can bring Texas together again.
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