Austin's Kirk Watson elected Senate president pro tem

The Texas Senate launched its 86th regular session Tuesday by selecting Sen. Kirk Watson as president pro tempore, a ceremonial post that also carries real responsibilities for the Austin Democrat.

The position, which typically goes to the longest serving senator who has not yet served as pro tem, places Watson on the Senate dais when Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is not available, puts him in the line of succession for governor and gives him a role in next week’s inauguration of Gov. Greg Abbott and Patrick.

Five senators — three Republicans and two Democrats — gave speeches nominating Watson for the post, including Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, who gaveled the Senate into session Tuesday because Patrick had been called to the White House for a meeting on border security.

“When the White House calls you to go to Washington, you go,” Nelson said.

Read more: https://www.statesman.com/news/20190108/austins-kirk-watson-elected-senate-president-pro-tem