Like a pack of conniving relatives whispering around the deathbed of a rich man, Texas senators and political strategists are closely watching Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst’s bid for the U.S. Senate and Gov. Rick Perry’s bid for the presidency.

If both leave Texas, the Senate will choose their replacements. If only one wins, senators will pick a new lieutenant governor either way. (Dewhurst would automatically move up if Perry wins the presidency.) The timing of those selections — which comes down to who’s voting and who isn’t — is crucial to the outcomes.

The immediate question is ...

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