Texas Speaker of the House Tom Craddick will see a challenge for his job from within the ranks of his own party. Representative Brian McCall, R-Plano, told KVUE he has filed the necessary papers to run for the post in January.

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Craddick has served as House Speaker since 2003.

"When issues become important and he has to find the votes, he's able to find the votes to make it happen," said longtime Craddick advisor and lobbyist Bill Miller.

But others say Craddick rules with too heavy a hand.

"He can be pretty aggressive with folks to try and get the votes he needs," said State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin.

The 150 members of the Texas House elect a speaker every session, so all it takes is 76 votes to win the job. The House membership is split at 81 Republicans and 69 Democrats. Many Democrats say they would prefer a more moderate McCall over Craddick.

"He sees both sides and tries to find some middle ground so we can all get something we think is important," Rodriguez said.

Craddick's advisor said the speaker has all the support he needs.

"You can't take anyone for granted, and you continue to do your business. But yeah, he's confident, and he's very solid," Miller said.

But some lawmakers say behind the scenes, things are different.

"His support's a mile wide but only an inch deep," said Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine.

And this is a race that will be decided almost completely behind the scenes.

"It's going to be incredibly fluid until somebody stands up in the speaker's committee room with 76 people behind him," said Harvey Kronberg, editor of The Quorum Report.

House members elect a new speaker when they reconvene January 9.