Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Texas Commissioner of Education Robert Scott answers questions at TASA midwinter conference in Austin, Texas February 1st, 2011

Your evening reading: state's education commissioner to resign in July; federal court stays Planned Parenthood ruling; Texas wind farm study stirs controversy

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For this week's nonscientific survey of political and government insiders, we asked about 10 of the hottest primary races involving incumbents in the Texas House. 

Enlarge photo by: Callie Richmond

Texas resident Shantell Keller cannot afford insurance and does not qualify for Medicaid. For years, she has avoided seeking treatment for a variety of mounting health problems. Thanks to reduced rates at the federally qualified health service provider Lone Star Circle of Health in Georgetown, she is now able to afford co-payments for occasional visits to a family practice clinic.

The federal government awarded Texas $61 million today for new and improved community health centers across the state.

Enlarge photo by: Jacob Villanueva

Planned Parenthood scored a rare, if brief, victory in Texas on Monday.

Enlarge photo illustration by: Alex Promios / Todd Wiseman

Your evening reading: EPA official resigns in wake of "crucify" comments; judge orders state to maintain Women's Health Program; Leppert launching multimillion-dollar ad push

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Former Dallas mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Tom Leppert gestures during a question at a debate in Austin on January 12, 2012.

The intensifying ad war in the U.S. Senate race sparked another war within the race on Friday.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst at a U.S. Senate candidate debate on Jan. 12, 2012, in Austin.

Your evening reading: pro-Dewhurst Super PAC ad calls Cruz, Leppert "too liberal"; Amazon, state settle sales tax fight; UT-El Paso gets tentative approval to host boxing match

Enlarge graphic by: Todd Wiseman

The war between Texas and the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday turned briefly into the war over a historical analogy.

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For this week's nonscientific survey of political and government insiders, we asked about the state's Ethics Commission, reporting laws for lobbyists and third-party advocates, and about ending pensions for lawbreaking lawmakers.

Enlarge photo by: Gage Skidmore

Your evening reading: Perry calls EPA official's "crucify" comment "unacceptable"; poll says most Texans don't want Perry to run again; Tribune's government salary database updated

Enlarge photo illustration by: Bob Daemmrich / Gage Skidmore / Todd Wiseman

Rick Perry and Mitt Romney, enemies on the campaign trail, made nice on Wednesday.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Candidate Ted Cruz attacks Lt. Governor David Dewhurst in a U.S. Senate candidate debate at the Hilton in Austin on January 12, 2012.

Your evening reading: poll shows Cruz gaining on Dewhurst; Canseco claims TSA assault; Supreme Court appears likely to uphold key part of Arizona law

Enlarge photo illustration by: Gage Skidmore / Todd Wiseman

As Mitt Romney's grip on the Republican presidential nomination strengthened Tuesday, a new poll showed Texas voters finally coming around to him.