Anson Jones was elected president of the Republic of Texas in 1844. As president, he inherited economic problems and debt from previous administrations. He continued the policy of reduced government spending. The most serious issue facing his administration was whether Texas should pursue annexation by the United States. Most Texans approved of annexation after independence, though the US did not initially offer it. By 1845, few Texans were interested in negotiating with Mexico for recognition and there was debate among Texans on the issue of annexation.