Sorry for the delay. This Smithee video file fell victim to some technical difficulties.

To review, State Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, spoke just outside his office after meeting with his supporters and deciding to quit the race for house speaker. He says state Rep. Dan Gattis, R-Georgetown, also dropped his challenge, paving the way for state Rep Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, to become the next speaker of the House without challenges on the first day of session.

Watch Smithee below. He is both realistic and gracious about the situation:

State Rep Joe Straus, the speaker-to-be, said this after his pledges tonight surpassed 100 of the 150 member House:

"I am humbled to receive the support of so many colleagues. Their sentiments and expressions of support for a positive tone and productive chamber in the days ahead are truly overwhelming."

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