Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

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

Your evening reading: Cruz says gun control efforts will backfire on Obama; at least 20 gun-related bills filed so far in Legislature; Democrats question women's health provider list

Enlarge photo by: Spencer Selvidge

Gov. Rick Perry at the 2012 Texas Tribune Festival in on Sept. 21, 2012.

Sweeping new gun-control efforts this week have provoked a fierce reaction — and even an ad campaign — in Texas.

Enlarge photo by: Tamir Kalifa

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott - Oct. 4, 2012

Your evening reading: Abbott launches gun rights ad campaign aimed at New Yorkers; Obama's gun plan draws fierce reaction in Texas; Senate proposals to curb Medicaid costs unveiled

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With a major school finance trial under way, lawmakers are reluctant to take up public education funding before a court ruling on the matter. What they'll do in the meantime remains uncertain.

Enlarge credit: Bob Daemmrich

New fundraising numbers have sparked another round of speculation about the state's 2014 political battles.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Gov. Rick Perry in his Capitol office on Feb. 21, 2012.

Your evening reading: Abbott posts 3-to-1 cash advantage over Perry; state lawmakers file bill to broaden financial disclosure; House Republican Caucus picks leader

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For this week's nonscientific survey of insiders in government and politics, we asked questions about the budget, about how lawmakers will spend the money they've got, the chances for a business tax, and the outlook for other fiscal proposals.

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.

If money's a show of strength, George P. Bush — who's angling for statewide office — just came out swinging.

Enlarge photo illustration by: Trevor McGoldrick / Lotus Carroll

Your evening reading: White House responds to Texas secession petition; rule changes deal blow to House Democrats; George H.W. Bush released from Houston hospital

Enlarge graphic by: Bob Daemmrich / Spencer Selvidge

Vanquished in his fight to unseat House Speaker Joe Straus, state Rep. David Simpson isn't backing down.

Enlarge graphic by: Todd Wiseman

Twenty journalists have spent nine months researching the personal financial interests of members of the 83rd Legislature. Eyebrows — and hackles — may be raised, but this kind of transparency is good for Texas.

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on opening day of 83rd Legislative Session, Jan. 8, 2013

Your evening reading: Dewhurst wants state to fund firearms training for teachers; judge denies Planned Parenthood's appeal to rejoin health program; Patterson says he could beat Dewhurst in 2014 

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.

The latest churn of the rumor mill has stoked speculation about the political futures of two prominent Texans.