Enlarge photo by: Callie Richmond

Patient Carrie Adner of Austin speaks with Dr. Krissie Yamamoto at the Seton-Circle of Care Women's Services at the Texas A&M Health Science Center.

Your evening reading: women's health providers to appeal directly to federal government for funding; Paul calls secession a "deeply American principle"; F1 subsidy debate continues

Enlarge photo by: Gage Skidmore

George P. Bush

Does George P. Bush have his sights set on the Governor's Mansion?

Enlarge photo by: Todd Spoth

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

Your evening reading: Cruz says Romney "French-kissed" Obama; new Super PAC formed to help Republicans on immigration; Obama administration rejects Perry's request for renewable fuel waiver

Enlarge credit: Caleb Bryant Miller

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the House chamber of the Texas Capitol

With national Republican leaders recuperating and reassessing after last week's election, a humbled John Cornyn has followed suit.

Enlarge photo by: Justin Dehn

Gov. Rick Perry discussing the Women's Health Program at press conference in Georgetown.

Your evening reading: Perry says state won't implement health insurance exchange; Cornyn says elections exposed GOP "brand problem"; state leaders adopt spending cap

Enlarge photo by: Gage Skidmore

George P. Bush

With speculation about 2014 heating up, the spotlight in Texas has turned squarely to George P. Bush.

Enlarge photo by: Jay Root

John Higgins, chief of staff to state Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt, can be seen on the far left of this photo with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. The Travis County District Attorney's Public Integrity Unit is investigating Higgins in relation to alleged improprieties involving travel reimbursements.

Your evening reading: Jeb Bush asks donors to back son for land commissioner; Cornyn elevated to minority whip; Sessions elected chairman of Rules Committee

Enlarge photo by: Gage Skidmore

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas

Despite big losses for Republicans last week, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn today will likely take on his most powerful role in the party yet.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on Nov. 13, 2012, at a press conference on proposed legislation regarding drug testing for state benefit recipients.

Your evening reading: Perry, Dewhurst push drug testing for welfare applicants; White House says it will respond to Texas secession petition; Texas demographics and polling

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For this week's nonscientific survey of insiders from government and politics, we made temporary assignments in punditry, asking insiders to explain the elections, whether the governor is done and how legislative leaders' clout was affected.

Enlarge photo by: Tamir Kalifa

The 2013 legislative session doesn't start until January, but eager lawmakers on Monday offered a glimpse of what to expect next year.