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A firm conservative, Hughes was initially pledged to support a second term for moderate Republican [[Joe Straus]] of San Antonio as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. However, after the 2010 elections, Hughes withdrew his support for Straus, who nevertheless retained the Speakership, on the grounds that Straus had punished intraparty conservative opponents with redistricting. Hughes based his charge on a conversation with one of Straus' staffers, who allegedly notified Hughes that plans were already being laid to alter Straus' opponents' districts. Hughes said that he was informed that efforts were especially aimed at two East Texas members, then Representative-elect [[Erwin Cain]] of Sulphur Springs and [[Dan Flynn]] of Van in Van Zandt County, Texas. Representative [[Chuck Hopson]] of Jacksonville, a Democrat-turned-Republican and chairman of the House Ethics Committee, called upon Hughes to reveal the name of the informant.[13] Hopson had received $42,000 in contributions from Straus.<ref>"Rep. Chuck Hopson, Who Chairs Ethics Panel Investigating Allegation Against Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, Received $42K," Texas Watchdog, November 22, 2010</ref>

A firm conservative, Hughes was initially pledged to support a second term for moderate Republican [[Joe Straus]] of San Antonio as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. However, after the 2010 elections, Hughes withdrew his support for Straus, who nevertheless retained the Speakership, on the grounds that Straus had punished intraparty conservative opponents with redistricting. Hughes based his charge on a conversation with one of Straus' staffers, who allegedly notified Hughes that plans were already being laid to alter Straus' opponents' districts. Hughes said that he was informed that efforts were especially aimed at two East Texas members, then Representative-elect [[Erwin Cain]] of Sulphur Springs and [[Dan Flynn]] of Van in Van Zandt County, Texas. Representative [[Chuck Hopson]] of Jacksonville, a Democrat-turned-Republican and chairman of the House Ethics Committee, called upon Hughes to reveal the name of the informant.[13] Hopson had received $42,000 in contributions from Straus.<ref>"Rep. Chuck Hopson, Who Chairs Ethics Panel Investigating Allegation Against Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, Received $42K," Texas Watchdog, November 22, 2010</ref>

Chuck Hopson identified the informant as District 62 Representative [[Larry Phillips]], an attorney from Sherman and a member of the Ethics Committee. Phillips removed himself as a committee member for the hearing and denied Hughes's accusation. The phone conservation between the two lawmakers was not recorded. The committee did not reach a judgment because of the lack of corroborating witnesses.[15][16]

Chuck Hopson identified the informant as District 62 Representative [[Larry Phillips]], an attorney from Sherman and a member of the Ethics Committee. Phillips removed himself as a committee member for the hearing and denied Hughes's accusation. The phone conservation between the two lawmakers was not recorded. The committee did not reach a judgment because of the lack of corroborating witnesses.[15]<ref>"Patrick Brendel, "Texas House Ethics Panel Takes No Action on Alleged Redistricting Threats by Vice-Chair Phillips," November 23, 2010". americanindependent.com. http://www.americanindependent.com/158065/texas-house-ethics-panel-takes-no-action-on-alleged-redistricting-threats-by-vice-chair-phillips. Retrieved September 28, 2011</ref>

15.^ "Texas House committee won't act on Rep. Phillips' alleged threats, November 23, 2010". KXII-TV.com. http://www.kxii.com/news/headlines/Texas_House_committee_wont_act_on_Rep_Phillips_alleged_threats__110251099.html. Retrieved September 27, 2011.  

15.^ "Texas House committee won't act on Rep. Phillips' alleged threats, November 23, 2010". KXII-TV.com. http://www.kxii.com/news/headlines/Texas_House_committee_wont_act_on_Rep_Phillips_alleged_threats__110251099.html. Retrieved September 27, 2011.  

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