Enlarge photo by: Todd Spoth

Ted Cruz at the JW Marriott hotel in Houston on May 29, 2012.

Your evening reading: Cruz, teaming with Romney, says Obama wants to keep poor people "trapped in dependency"; Steinbeck's son jumps into Texas death penalty debate; family physicians group endorses Davis

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For this week's nonscientific survey of political and governmental insiders, we asked about the fallout of the election, what it did to the clout of various leaders, and let the insiders play pundit.

Enlarge photo by: Michael Stravato

Ted Cruz supporters at his election night watch party in Houston on July 31, 2012.

A week later, the forces that helped push Ted Cruz to victory already face another test.

Enlarge photo by: Chris Devers

Your evening reading: Romney campaign highlights support from Cruz; Perry to speak at Iowa conservative summit; state urges judge to stay ruling on voting provisions

Enlarge photo by: Gage Skidmore

Ted Cruz capped off a whirlwind week with his first appearance on Sunday morning political TV.

Enlarge photo by: Eric Kayne

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on July 31, 2012, in Houston addressing the crowd at a watch party following the announcement that he lost the U.S. Senate runoff to Ted Cruz.

Your evening reading: after loss, Dewhurst says he'll do things "different"; federal government announces details on deportation deferrals; state's high school graduation rate hits record high

Enlarge photo illustration by: Gage Skidmore / Todd Wiseman

Hoping to recover from a week of political stumbles overseas, Mitt Romney got a little help on Thursday from Rick Perry.

Enlarge photo by: Ariel Min

Vote sign outside of Pan AM Recreation Center in Austin, TX on July 31, 2012.

Your evening reading: state says two counties that skipped runoffs violated election code; Rubio "excited" about comparisons to Cruz; re-examining the FLDS Eldorado raid

Enlarge photo by: Michael Stravato

Ted Cruz supporters at his election night watch party in Houston on July 31, 2012.

With the fervor over Ted Cruz's primary victory starting to settle, talk has turned to what to expect from him in Washington.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Adviser Jason Johnson (right) helped former Solicitor General Ted Cruz rise from underdog to champion in the 2012 Republican U.S. Senate primary.

Your evening reading: deciphering Cruz's victory; Sadler nabs a sliver of the spotlight; Chick-fil-A "appreciation day" draws crowds in Texas

Enlarge photo by: Michael Stravato

Republican Senate candidate Ted Cruz greets supporters outside a polling station in Houston, Tuesday, July 31, 2012.

A stunner of an end to a months-long electoral slog has turned Ted Cruz into Texas' newest political celebrity.