About That Gender Gap Question...
Also, Abbott goes up with a TV ad en español, and a roundup of other notable changes to RPT platform
Full StoryAlso, Abbott goes up with a TV ad en español, and a roundup of other notable changes to RPT platform
Full StoryThis week saw a couple of interesting developments in the ongoing court challenges to the electoral maps drawn up in 2011.
Full StoryThis week in the Newsreel: Texas Republicans lay out new platform, Perry weighs in on homosexuals and more University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll issues.
Full StoryFor this week’s nonscientific survey of insiders in politics and government, we asked about public and higher education.
Full StoryKey meetings and events for the coming week.
Full StoryLook, he knows how to put on a show — he knows how to make an ultraconservative Tea Party Republican get a little stiffy. Is he for real? Honestly, at some point, what's the difference? ... I don't think there is a Dan Patrick, except that which exists to get Dan Patrick elected.
Democratic strategist Harold Cook to Rolling Stone magazine on the allure of Dan Patrick
When I step out of my current job, and I have 15 or 20 productive years left in my body, I want to be able to have as in-depth an understanding about this world as possible.
Gov. Rick Perry, sharing with The New York Times Magazine's Mark Leibovich on where he sees himself 15 or 20 years from now
A politician determines by partisan and strategic reasons what the answer is and then finds someone to do research to support it. It drives me crazy.
Michael Webber, deputy director of the Energy Institute at UT, on Perry's letter critical of President Barack Obama's new energy policy to reduce carbon emissions from burning coal
We, as a country, enjoy punishing people for saying stupid things. That, fireworks, and the missionary position are basically the three most American things I can think of.
Actor and comedian Nick Offerman in his address to the 2014 Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association dinner over the weekend
The furor continued over Gov. Rick Perry's remarks at a San Francisco event where he compared homosexuality to alcoholism. In an attempt to put the controversy behind him, Perry on Thursday admitted he "stepped right in it" and said he should have called instead on the need for "a really respectful and tolerant country."
The state's top leadership — Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus — authorized the Department of Public Safety to spend an additional $1.3 million weekly on border security operations. DPS said it would not enforce immigration laws but would work with local and federal authorities to “deter and disrupt drug and human trafficking, and other border-related crimes.”
The Republican Party of Texas released its full party platform, close to two weeks after its adoption at the state convention in Fort Worth earlier this month. In addition to new, controversial language on gays and immigration, the platform also does things like call for the post of House speaker to become a statewide elected position.
Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay returned to court Wednesday as prosecutors asked the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to reinstate convictions against him for money laundering and conspiracy.
The Texas Water Development Board released draft rules this week that offer Texans a clearer sense of how the board will prioritize and fund competing water supply projects. The rules will help determine how $2 billion in upcoming water projects will be spent.
A Texas Railroad Commission policy of denying reporters access to agency staff was in the news after a report from The Associated Press on the practice. Among those subsequently expressing discomfort with the policy were House Energy Resources Chairman Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, and Democratic Railroad Commission candidate Steve Brown.
Ernie McClendon of Livingston was named judge of the 258th Judicial District Court in Polk, San Jacinto and Trinity Counties by Gov. Rick Perry for a term to expire at the next general election.
Robert Trapp of Coldspring was named San Jacinto County Criminal District Attorney by Perry, effective July 1, 2014, for a term to expire at the next general election.
Ida Louise “Weisie” Steen of San Antonio was appointed by Perry to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a term to expire Nov. 15, 2019.
William L. Kibler was named sole finalist in the Sul Ross State University presidential search. He is currently vice president for student affairs at Mississippi State University, and was chosen from a field of nearly 40 candidates, according to an announcement from the Texas State University System.
Dan Sharphorn took over permanently as vice chancellor and general counsel to the University of Texas System this week after having served in the role on an interim basis for the past year. He joined the UT System in 2007 as associate vice chancellor and deputy general counsel.
Bryan W. McMath has joined Sledge Fancher, PLLC as a legislative consultant where he will focus on natural resources issues. He was state Sen. Kel Seliger's chief of staff for more than six years and has also worked on the staff of state Sen. Kip Averitt.
Victoria Ramirez was named director of the Bullock Texas State History Museum. She had been deputy director since early 2013 and had served as interim director for the past six months.
Deaths: Daniel McCool, member of the State Republican Executive Committee from the southeast Houston area. He was 51.
Disclosure: Texas State University System and the University of Texas are corporate sponsors of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Texas Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.