Two Republican candidates, a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives and a GOP activist filed a lawsuit calling for the disqualification of almost 127,000 ballots cast in Democratic stronghold Harris County, Texas in what many view as an attempt to suppress votes to help President Donald Trump.
But not all members of the GOP in Texas are on board with the move to negate the votes of over 100,000 fellow Texans. The Speaker of the Texas House—considered to be the most powerful member of the Texas GOP—Joe Straus came out in strong opposition to the move.
He took to social media to denounce his fellow Republicans' efforts.
On Facebook, he posted:
"The lawsuit attempting to disenfranchise more than 100,000 voters in Harris County is patently wrong. All of us who believe in the core ideals of this country should want more votes counted and more voices heard."
"While it may be too late for this election, the Republican Party needs to return to a place where we win with ideas and persuasion rather than trying to intimidate and silence our fellow citizens."
"I hope all elected statewide leaders in the Texas Republican Party will stand up against these desperate tactics."
Speaker Straus also shared his views on Twitter.
While some on Facebook felt Straus should do more...
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
...most appreciated his efforts,...
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
...although some felt the GOP was a lost cause.
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
Speaker Joe Straus/Facebook
The reactions were much the same on Twitter.
The Texas Supreme Court ruled against the GOP's efforts, but the federal court has yet to issue their ruling.
UPDATE, 11/2: U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen, known for his conservative rulings, found that Republican plaintiffs don't have standing, subsequently striking down their attempts to have drive through ballots dismissed.
The votes will count.
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