"Tom Craddick is the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Craddick was first sworn in as a member of the Texas House in 1969. At the time, he was one of only eight Republicans in the 150 member House. He has since served 18 consecutive terms as representative for his Midland district. In 1975, Craddick became the first Republican chair of a House committee in over a century when he was named chair of the House Natural Resources Committee. He has since chaired two other House committees: the Public Health Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. Craddick was elected Speaker of the House in 2003, making him the first Republican to hold the post since Reconstruction. Outside of the House, Craddick is a sales representative for Mustang Mud, Inc. and owner of Craddick Properties in Midland." - Evan Smith, Texas Monthly Talks, Broadcast 1.13.05