Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Newt Gingrich at a press conference after a debate with Herman Cain in The Woodlands on Nov. 5, 2011.

Your afternoon reading: Perry internals show Gingrich slipping; Paul says he hasn't gone negative; Romney warns against "zany" Gingrich

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

A pointed warning from the Obama administration has heightened the drama surrounding the state's already chaotic redistricting process.

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

Your afternoon reading: in video, Perry says he has momentum; ESPN commentator Craig James to enter U.S. Senate race; FreedomWorks planning "call day" for Cruz

Enlarge

The Sunlight Foundation released an update to the interactive Capitol Words on Monday. The application allows users to search and compare words spoken by federal legislators using data from the Congressional Record.

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

Today, the Texas redistricting chaos may begin to clear.

Enlarge

This gurney is used to perform executions at Terre Haute by lethal injection.

Texas ranks third in the number of exonerations in the United States since 1989, according to data compiled by Mother Jones. Take a look at how Texas compares to other states across the nation with this map.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

House Speaker Joe Straus, supported by Republican members, discusses the successes and shortcomings of the 82nd regular legislative session that adjourned sine die May 30, 2011.

Your afternoon reading: Paul goes after Gingrich again in web video; Straus draws primary challenge; Perry calls Solyndra a country

Enlarge

For this week's nonscientific survey of politics and government insiders, we asked about the early presidential primaries, who'll be the Republican nominee, and who the insiders think will be sworn in as president in 2013.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

At the Johnson County annual fall barbecue in Tiffin, Iowa, on Oct. 7, 2011.

Grasping for momentum, Gov. Rick Perry may have finally found a little over the weekend.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Campaign materials for Gov. Rick Perry at the Johnson County Fall BBQ event in Tiffin, Iowa, where Perry spoke on Oct. 7, 2011.

Your afternoon reading: Perry's spoiler potential in Iowa; Trump may scrap GOP debate; amid fiery campaign rhetoric, illegal border crossings on the decline

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Gov. Rick Perry attempts to hush the crowd as he is introduced at his prayer event, The Response, in Houston on Aug. 6, 2011.

Once again, intense backlash has caught the Rick Perry campaign flat-footed.

Enlarge photo by: Gage Skidmore

Your afternoon reading: top Perry staff split over latest ad; Perry turns down Trump debate; governor not sure what to do with gay soldiers already serving openly

Enlarge photo by: Gage Skidmore

Rick Perry's going big in Iowa, and making no secret of it.