Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, is shown her lottery number by Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw on Jan. 23, 2013.

Your evening reading: senators draw re-election terms; five Texas Republicans vote against debt ceiling extension; major Democratic donor spending big in Houston special election

Enlarge photo by: Santiago Arce

Tuesday's shooting on a college campus in Houston has inflamed the already heated debate over gun rights in Texas.

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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.

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.