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Gov. Jerry Brown of California

Your evening reading: California governor calls Perry's ad campaign "barely a fart"; Branch says he's considering bid for attorney general; Castro testifies on federal immigration reform

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For this week's nonscientific survey of insiders in government and politics, we asked for the legislative odds on some of the ideas in Gov. Rick Perry's State of the State speech. According to the insiders, he had some winners and some losers.

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

State district Judge John Dietz issuing a ruling in the school finance trial on Feb. 4, 2013.

A major ruling on Monday marked the latest turn in a case likely to profoundly impact the future of Texas' public school system.

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Judge John Dietz in his courtroom before he ruled that school finance system unconstitutional on February 4th, 2013

Your evening reading: judge rules against Texas' school finance system; Piers Morgan to hold show tonight near Houston; Perry luring Californians to Texas with radio ads

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Gov. Rick Perry at a State Board of Education meeting on Feb. 1, 2013.

The renewed debate over gay membership in the the Boy Scouts of America has pitted Gov. Rick Perry squarely against President Obama.

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Gov. Perry speaks at Texas State Board of Education meeting on February 1st, 2013

Your evening reading: Perry calls for more charter schools; Obama administration offers compromise on birth control rule; governor's call for tax relief sparks confusion

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Is Ted Cruz, less than a month into his Senate career, already rubbing off on John Cornyn?

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

U.S. Senate candidate Ted Cruz speaks to Republican Convention delegates on the final day June 9, 2012.

Your evening reading: Cruz aggressive at Hagel confirmation hearing; Straus announces House committee assignments; poll shows Clinton competitive in Texas

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Attorney General Greg Abbott, left, and Gov. Rick Perry

Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday threw cold water on speculation about a potential 2014 showdown with one of his political allies.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Attorney General Greg Abbott, Gov. Rick Perry, state Rep. Senfronia Thompson and Department of Public Safety chief Steve McCraw at the signing of House Bill 3000 on May 25, 2011.

Your evening reading: if Perry seeks re-election, Abbott won't run against him, governor says; poll shows Texans supportive of assault weapons ban, divided on Cornyn; Dell foundation to donate $50 million for UT medical school

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Gov. Rick Perry, left, and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst at Perry's State of the State address on Jan. 29, 2013.

Largely devoid of any conservative red meat, Gov. Rick Perry's State of the State address may have offered some clues to his political future.