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The Texas Tribune
The Texas Tribune
National
Patrick Svitek

Rep. John Smithee emerges as House hero among Paxton supporters, floated for speaker

State Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, discusses House Bill 214, which would limit health benefit coverage for elective abortions, on Aug. 8, 2017.
State Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, discusses a bill on Aug. 8, 2017. This month, he's being floated by Paxton allies as a potential House speaker candidate. (Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune)

When Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick delivered his blistering speech at the end of Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial criticizing the House’s process for bringing the charges, he mentioned one name six times.

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