Deutschösterreich
Straffner was active in Georg von Schönerer's German National Movement ("Deutschnationale Bewegung"). He was a member of the council of Saalfelden, the Tyrolean Landtag and from 1918-1919 member of the Tyrolean government. In 1919 he was successful in the Constitutional Assembly elections, becoming a member of the Republic of German-Austria legislature, and from 1920 to 1923 and 1927 to 1934 a deputy in the National Council. In 1930-31 and 1932–33, he served as third president of the National Council.