Vol 31, Issue 31 Print Issue

The Week in the Rearview Mirror

Gov. Rick Perry was indicted late Friday afternoon on two felony charges related to his veto of funding for the public integrity unit. In subsequent days, Perry pushed back with an appearance on Fox News on Sunday and the introduction on Monday of an all-star legal team that will oversee his defense. On Tuesday, he showed up at the courthouse to take a mug shot that instantly went viral. And while his legal representation will be in court this Friday, Perry will be in New Hampshire for campaign events with the state's Republican Party.

A Perry spokesman said Wednesday night that the governor's legal defense would be paid from campaign funds going forward. Those costs had been paid before by taxpayer dollars.

Dan Patrick and Leticia Van de Putte, the Republican and Democratic nominees for lieutenant governor, agreed to debate Sept. 29. The encounter will be hosted by The Texas Tribune and take place at the KLRU studio in Austin.

University of Texas System regents on Thursday officially chose Admiral William H. McRaven as the system's new chancellor, taking over for Francisco Cigarroa, who is stepping down to resume his surgical career.

The Livestrong Foundation announced on Tuesday that it is giving a $50 million gift to UT-Austin's new Dell Medical School to create the Livestrong Cancer Institutes.

An analysis published on Monday by Moody's Investors Service, one of the country's top three credit rating agencies, warned that leadership issues at the University of Texas System are "credit negative." A pair of UT System regents subsequently said they disagreed with the credit agency's analysis, which has no effect on the system's credit rating or outlook.

Disclosure: The University of Texas at Austin, KLRU and the Livestrong Foundation are corporate sponsors of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Texas Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.

Political People and their Moves

Brigadier General Gerald “Jake” Betty was named commander of the Texas State Guard effective Sept. 1, 2014, for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor.

Fritz Reinig has joined the Governmental Affairs team at the Texas Lottery Commission. He previously served as chief of staff for two House members — most recently for state Rep. Doug Miller, R-New Braunfels.

Laura Stromberg Hoke recently joined the staff of state Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, as chief of staff. Previously, she was communications director for NFIB/Texas and served as press secretary to independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman.

Aron Peña III, son of former state Rep. Aaron Peña, was named Rio Grande Vally field representative for the Dan Patrick for Lieutenant Governor campaign. Peña is currently a partner at Peña, Garza Consulting Group and is president of the Hidalgo Young Republicans.

GOP CD-23 candidate Will Hurd was endorsed by former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton. Hurd is challenging incumbent Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, in the November general election.

GOP attorney general candidate Ken Paxton picked up endorsements from the political arms of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Texas Association of Builders.

GOP SD-28 candidate Jodey Arrington received backing from the political arms of the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Public Employees Association. He is competing in the Sept. 9 special election to fill the vacancy left by Robert Duncan's resignation. Early voting begins Aug. 25.

Disclosure: The Texas Medical Association and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association are corporate sponsors of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Texas Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.