SCOTT TURNER FOR TEXAS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

Conservatives are not well represented with Joe Straus being the Speaker of the House. Win or lose, it would be an outstanding act of political courage if our state representative were to risk his position in leadership and help elect Scott Turner Speaker. Why a new Speaker? And why Turner?

Strauss is too liberal is the short answerto the first question. Unfortunately, politicians in a position of leadership are not likely to risk their committee appointments and tell you how much more good legislation could be passed and how much less we would have to worry about more and more spending and more and more government encroaching into our private business.

The answer to the second question could be “anybody but Straus” as some Tea Party folks and some libertarian and some conservatives have expressed it. But Turner could be one of those people that becomes a focus of state pride for all those who are sick of Straus. He is talented and he is a listener. He represents Texas House District 33 which encompasses all of Rockwall County and portions of Collin County. Representative Turner is a small businessman and that always has the potential to add common sense and a focus away from government solutions.  His skills as national motivational speaker would be much welcomed in Austin after many bland politicians have dominated for so long.

He has two negatives. Inexperience. He was only elected to the Texas House of Representatives in November 2012. And he played in the NFL for nine years. Why is that a negative some might ask?  Well, let’s just say he never was a Houston Texan or a Dallas Cowboy.

For his first legislative session, Rep. Turner has been assigned to the House Government Efficiency and Reform Committee and the Human Services Committee. He has also been appointed to the House Federalism and Fiscal Responsibility Select Committee.

A fourth generation Texan, growing up in Richardson, Rep. Turner attended the University of Illinois, graduating with a degree in speech communications. In 1995, he began his 9-year professional football career as a defensive back when he was drafted by the Washington Redskins. He went on to play for the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos. During his stint in Washington, D.C., Rep. Turner spent a great deal of time alongside then-Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services, Duncan Hunter, assisting with military affairs. After retiring from the NFL, Rep. Turner returned to the Dallas area to pursue his business career. He is now the Director of Business Development and Corporate Chaplain at Systemware, Inc.

Rep. Turner serves on several community boards including Presbyterian Hospital’s Presidents Leadership Council, Dallas Metropolitan YMCA Board of Directors, Prestonwood Christian Academy Board of Trustees and GuideStone Financial Board of Directors. He is an active member of Prestonwood Baptist Church where he serves as a Bible fellowship class leader and occasional guest pastor.

Are his colleagues impressed by him? You don’t have to go far to find out they are.

“I asked Scott Turner to run for governor, U.S. Senate, congress, the open state Senate seat," said Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth. "I told him if he moved to District 93 (Krause’s own district) I’d be his campaign manager. I’ve said for months, he’s he most impressive guy in the entire House. I’ve never seen anybody connect with people (like Turner). People just love him."

“He’s the only guy I’ve known who ever got a standing ovation after a prayer … blessing the bacon and eggs," said Krause.

"To me it’s not about Straus," said Krause. "I have no problem with Joe Straus. Joe Straus was kind to me. We always got along well. This is not an anti-Straus thing at all."

Krause likened Turner to Ted Cruz, who Krause supported early on.

“Cruz is a once in a generation candidate,” said Krause, and that’s how he sees Turner. “I think he’s destined for bigger and better things. It’s more about his gifts and talents and nothing about the current speaker."

There you just read what the problem will be. Even one of his biggest admirers wants to make clear this is not about Straus. But it is or it should be. We can do better. Turner will represent us well. I just wish my friend John Otto would do something some would say is politically suicidal, but in history will be recognized as bold and a game changer.