AUSTIN -- State Rep. Joe Straus appeared poised to become the next Texas House speaker Monday, a development Tigua tribal leaders said could bode well in their ongoing pursuit to resume gaming at Speaking Rock Casino.

"We're looking at it as a good thing for the tribe," said Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Lt. Gov. Carlos Hisa.

Straus, a San Antonio Republican with family ties to the gaming industry, became the last man standing in the contentious House speaker race Monday after beleaguered incumbent House Speaker Tom Craddick bowed out and two other Republican candidates stepped aside.

The other candidates withdrew as Straus announced 100 of the 150 House members, including all five El Paso legislators, supported him as speaker, one of the most powerful posts in state government.

"It's time to turn the page and to move to a more positive tone in the House, and that's what I'm dedicated to," said Straus, standing in the press-packed Capitol rotunda surrounded by Republican and Democrat lawmakers as onlookers gathered on balconies above to watch the historic scene.

Straus was first elected to the House in a 2005 special election. His family has deep roots in the Texas Republican Party, and Straus worked in the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

He also helped outgoing Republican state Rep. Pat Haggerty of El Paso during his 1982 campaign for the U.S. House.

Despite his long ties to the Republican Party, his family's interests in gaming concerned some GOP legislators, and some conservative activists who oppose gambling.

Straus' father is chairman of Retama Entertainment Group Inc., a horse track in San Antonio.

"They are set to make billions if (slot machines) were to be approved for the state of Texas," said Cathie Adams, president of Texas Eagle Forum, a conservative group. "It's the crack cocaine of gambling."

In 2007, Straus also voted for legislation by state Rep. Norma Chavez, D-El Paso, that would have allowed the Tiguas to resume gaming at Speaker Rock Casino.

Those factors give Chavez and the Tiguas hope that this session their efforts could meet with more success in the Texas House. Two years ago Chavez's bill failed in a tie vote.

"I think he's a good guy, and he will work with us," Chavez said during a press conference in El Paso where local legislators listed restoration of gaming at Speaking Rock among their top priorities.

Hisa said tribal leaders hoped Straus' support would continue in his leadership role.

"All we're asking for is our fair shot," he said.

Asked about his stance on gaming Monday, Straus did not comment specifically on tribal gambling, but said he would avoid any issue that could benefit the financial interests of his family.

"I'll stay away from it, I'll recuse myself and not allow that to be a distraction," he said.

Ross Ramsey, editor of the online political journal Texas Weekly, said Straus' ties to gaming could turn into a liability for those who want more of it in Texas.

The new leader, Ramsey said, is certain to face additional scrutiny on gaming issues because of the well-known financial links.

"When he and gambling are the two subjects in a room," Ramsey said, "everybody is going to be watching very, very closely."