If you've heard the rumor about state Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, getting a federal appointment and not seeking re-election to the Texas House seat he's held since 2005... it's not true.
Strama says he started getting calls this morning, congratulating him on heading to DC to take the hypothetical appointment.
"I have no idea how such a rumor got started," he said.
The timing is worth noting. It's the last day to file as a candidate for office, and because of the rumor, Strama says there are Republicans considering filing for his House District 50 seat.
The lawmaker says he has no interest in any appointment, with one exception: "If [President Obama] wants to offer me Secretary of State, I'm going," Strama joked. "I did get invited to attend the White House Christmas party last month, and that was pretty cool. But I have no interest in going to DC other than as a tourist."
Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here.
Information about the authors
Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.