Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

U.S. Sen Ted Cruz is welcomed at LaRue Tactical, a gun manufacturer in Leander, by founders Ellen LaRue, center, and Mark LaRue, right, on Feb. 19, 2013.

Your evening reading: Cruz on offense during tour of Texas gun manufacturer; senators condemn state's testing system; Legislature to investigate UT regents' treatment of Powers

Enlarge

For this week's nonscientific survey of insiders in government and politics, we asked about officeholders who leave government and join the lobby, about what they should report and about whether they ought to sit out for a while first.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Bill Powers, president of the University of Texas at Austin, at a TribLive event on April 28, 2011.

A dramatic show of support in the Legislature for the president of the University of Texas at Austin has cast the spotlight on discord unfolding within the state's largest university system.

Enlarge photo by: Justin Dehn

Your evening reading: Legislature honors Powers amid UT System controversy; Patrick files bill to expand charter schools; Google brings driverless car to Texas Transportation Forum 

Enlarge photo by: Steve Pribut

A leaked White House plan has injected new rancor into the fight over immigration reform.

Enlarge photo by: Reynaldo Leal

Ted Nugent performs with his band during the May 1 concert in Hidalgo, Texas.

It's no surprise who leads off this week's playlist of songs based on the week's news. We just had to start with a song by controversial State of the Union attendee Ted Nugent.

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

George P. Bush at the state Capitol on Jan. 7, 2013, the day before the beginning of the 83rd session.

Your evening reading: George P. Bush says he'll announce political intentions before end of session; scrutiny of Cruz continues; Lamar Smith calls meteor a reminder to fund space programs

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Ted Cruz greets a delegate outside the state Republican convention on June 7, 2012.

Weeks after Ted Cruz began building a reputation as the U.S. Senate's brashest new member, his colleagues are beginning to sound off.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Ted Cruz speaking at the state Republican convention in Fort Worth on June 9, 2012.

Your evening reading: Cruz gets plum speaking slot at CPAC; House may restore some education cuts; Patterson expresses support for statewide property tax

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Gov. Rick Perry speaks with the press on May 5, 2011.

The drawn-out sparring match between the governors of Texas and California has come to an end — for now.

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

State Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, speaks with fellow Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, after 2013 committee assignments are announced.

Your evening reading: House Democrats file measure to test GOP support for immigration reform; Paul to make talk radio debut; Norquist says Texas could change national immigration debate

Enlarge photo by: Phil Roeder

The State of the Union may have inspired some real debate in Texas, but a certain musician still managed to steal much of the post-speech spotlight.