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Your evening reading: 3 injured in shooting at Houston community college; lawmakers sound off on Roe v. Wade anniversary; Legislature weighing fees on electric cars

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For this week's nonscientific survey of insiders in politics and government, we asked about state ethics laws — about lawmakers' disclosure of personal finances, of client lists, and about what laws the insiders would change if they could.

Enlarge photo by: Phil Roeder

Texas Republicans in Washington largely put partisanship aside on Monday as President Obama marked the beginning of his second term with a vigorous defense of liberalism.

Enlarge photo by: Tom Harris

Your evening reading: Texas lawmakers set politics aside for inauguration; Cornyn calls Obama's speech "aspirational"; Mexico drawn into gun control debate

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

President Obama working the rope line after his Austin Music Hall speech on July 17, 2012.

Texas Democrats rode a fresh wave of optimism over the weekend as inauguration festivities descended on Washington.

Enlarge photo by: Nicolas Henderson

The Brazos River in Pickwick, Texas - June 30, 2012

Water has emerged as the top infrastructure issue before the 83rd Legislature — an issue that appears to be more important to lawmakers than to most of the people they represent.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

U.S. Sen John Cornyn, R-Texas, at the state Republican convention on June 8, 2012.

Your evening reading: Cornyn presses Holder for information on internet activist's death; Dallas mayor backs Obama on gun control; Texas unemployment rate falls

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn gives a keynote speech June 8, 2012 at the Texas Republican Convention in Fort Worth.

Hoping to avert another debt ceiling showdown, President Obama has found a little common ground with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.

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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

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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.