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House Speaker Joe Straus, Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst

Your afternoon reading: Perry calls those who oppose prayer event "intolerant"; George P. Bush taking group national; is it too late for Perry to run?

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Gov. Rick Perry in an interview with Tribune CEO and Editor-in-Chief Evan Smith

For Gov. Rick Perry, a lawsuit filed Wednesday over his August prayer event could be a blessing in disguise.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Texas Governor Rick Perry gestures during his speech to the NAELO National Assn. of Latino Elected Officials in San Antonio on June 23, 2011.

Your afternoon reading: lawsuit filed over Perry prayer event; why Ron Paul isn't running for re-election; state layoffs begin

Enlarge graphic by: Todd Wiseman

Got photos of the great Texas drought of 2011 or a massive wildfire? Video of Rick Perry or Ron Paul on the hustings? We've got a place for it: the Trib's new multimedia Tumblr.

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The opening for Gov. Rick Perry among Republican voters could be even bigger than once thought.

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Sen. Mike Jackson R-La Porte on last regular day of the 82nd legislative session May 30th, 2011

Hey, Texplainer: Who becomes governor if both Rick Perry and David Dewhurst are elected to other offices? Citizens, meet state Sen. Mike Jackson.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Gov. Rick Perry outside the House chamber on May 28, 2011.

Your afternoon reading: Ron Paul not running for re-election; Perry meets with Musharraf; more Perry prayer event controversy

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst (l), talks with Sen. Dan Patrick on the floor of the Texas Senate on April 18, 2011.

For Texans, 2012's looking like the Year of the Perry, but don't forget the state's other looming marquee battle.

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Gov. Rick Perry delivering his State of the State address on Feb. 8, 2011

Your afternoon reading: Perry calling New Hampshire; Texas lawmakers and living expenses; light bulb vote coming in Congress

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Gov. Rick Perry answers a reporter's question about his presidential aspirations during a bill signing on May 27, 2011.

And the slow drum beat continues: On Friday, Gov. Rick Perry, still undecided, made a direct play for Iowa insiders.

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...Karen Wood, who also won in April, making her our first repeat winner. Can you keep her from claiming the July QRANK:TT prize, whose estimated value is $800?

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In the latest edition of our unscientific poll of Texas insiders, we turn to a pollster to tease out some differences in how the insiders and the voting public answer the same questions. Spoiler alert: They disagree.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Texas Governor Rick Perry speaks to the National Assn. of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) convention in San Antonio on June 23, 2011.

Your afternoon reading: Perry's fundraising challenge; Texas and the new economic numbers; lawmaker wants Caylee Anthony law

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst at the voter ID bill signing on May 27, 2011.

Conventional wisdom says Rick Perry would have no trouble finding fans in Iowa. But what about in New Hampshire?