After the 2012 elections shook things up for Texas Republicans, new opportunities loom for top dog Texas consultants. Many people are talking about Jason Johnson, who helped Ted Cruz win the GOP U.S. Senate primary.

For this week's nonscientific survey of government and political insiders, we asked about the presidential race, how it plays in the next race for governor, the lieutenant governor's electoral status, and whether odds for school vouchers have improved.

A month after Republican voters rebuffed his U.S. Senate bid, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst says he will seek re-election in 2014. His choices for empty spots on Senate committees will start to reveal any change in his political direction.

Many Texas party activists at the Republican National Convention say they have supported the same state leaders time and time again. But now, they are ready for a change in management.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst confirmed he will run for re-election in 2014. He also called for Republicans to unite behind Mitt Romney for president, hopes Ted Cruz wins on Nov. 6 and said he is already focused on the next Texas legislative session.

Texas Agriculture Comissioner Todd Staples says he is looking forward to running for lieutenant governor in 2014 — regardless of who else is on the ticket. 

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, after getting a standing ovation by the Texas Republican delegation in Florida, announced Tuesday that he plans to run for re-election.

Rick Perry, re-building his brand after a calamitious presidential campaign, is running some risk in the U.S. Senate race, where Tea Party darling Ted Cruz is stirring anti-establishment anger and where the governor has endorsed David Dewhurst.

The Republican Party of Texas gathers in Fort Worth on Thursday to start a three-day convention that will feature candidates, national conservative figures and party officials.

The long-delayed Texas primaries finally arrive Tuesday, and the results should offer a peek into the current political climate and a forecast of the state's politics over the next two years.

The quiet race for lieutenant governor isn't quiet any more, as two senators opened a fiery and very public email fight over gossip that could sink both of their chances to succeed Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

At a Tea Party-organized rally at the Capitol, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul said the presidential nomination isn't sewn up yet. And U.S. Senate candidate Ted Cruz reminded the crowd of his abiding conservatism.

Ambitious Republicans have been waiting in the wings for years, anticipating when Rick Perry will finally step down. But the longtime governor may not be ready to move off the stage just yet.

It's 2012, but everybody wants to talk about 2014.

Adaptation is a tricky business, especially in the political realm, where sudden and surprising changes can become perilous "flip-flops."

State Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, is exploring a 2014 run for comptroller — an office that would open up if Susan Combs decides to move on, perhaps to run for lieutenant governor.

Greg Abbott is all set to run for governor, but now Rick Perry might be in his way. It feels similar to 2010, when many thought Perry was a lame duck, but he ran again.

Evan, Ross, Reeve and Jim gab about the latest UT/TT poll and what it means for Rick Santorum, Rick Perry, and all the Texans running for U.S. Senate.