San Antonio Insurance Agent Becomes Speaker of the House

It appears the House will be getting a new Speaker, Rep. Joe Straus. Known as a moderate Republican, he has served only two terms in the House but has lined up significant support. A wealthy San Antonio businessman, Straus held minor posts in the Bush and Reagan Administrations. He is a principal in the insurance and executive benefits firm of Watson, Mazur, Bennett & Straus, L.L.C. He also is affiliated with National Financial Partners, a leading financial services company in the insurance, investments, and benefits industry.