James Richard "Rick" Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history, was sworn in as the state's 47th chief executive on Dec. 21, 2000, replacing then-Gov. George W. Bush upon his ascendancy to the White House. Perry was elected to a four-year term in 2002 and re-elected in 2006 and 2010.
A fifth-generation Texan, Perry grew up on a tenant ...
The political window is about to close: Today's the last day to become a candidate in the 2010 state elections. What we know so far is that the ballot will have a fireworks show at the top, with contested and well-financed gubernatorial primaries on both sides. A couple of statewide Democratic races will be competitive, but with incumbents seeking reelection on the Republican side, there's little action there.
Full StoryHere’s one of U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison ’s New Year’s resolutions: “clean up” the Texas Department of Transportation.
Full StorySenator Kay Bailey Hutchison has laid out her vision for the future of transportation in Texas.
Full StoryTexas House races are full of comings and goings.
Full Story‘Tis the season for retrospection.
Full StoryA major chapter of U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison’s fight in DC may be drawing to an end.
Full StoryWhy the dean of Texas political writers won't be asking questions when the GOP gubernatorial candidates debate next month.
Full StoryIn a couple of weeks, they'll be all over the place. But political ads at this time of year are dangerous. Ben Philpott filed this report for KUT News and the Tribune.
Full StoryJust like Santa needs Rudolph et al. to get him through Christmas, Democrat Farouk Shami needs a good team to carry him to the March gubernatorial primary.
Full StoryThe only thing definitively in the weeds here is the reliability of this poll.
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Surely they don’t do it this way in Peoria?
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Not many local polls have been made public, but this one confirms the rumor mill: One, Rick Perry’s lead in conservative areas of the state is a few points above what the UT/Trib poll found statewide. And, two, the impression that, as of now, the Kay Bailey Hutchison campaign is floundering if it's really trying to peel conservative voters away from Perry in significant numbers.
Full StoryIs this the end of the line, Carl?
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Newsweek has done its best Carnac the Magnificent impression and divined that the ultimate victor in the race to be the next governor of Texas will be...drumroll please...
Full StoryFarming’s more than just a state of mind.
Full StoryLarry, we hardly knew ye.
Full StoryWhen political consultants take on wealthy candidates, does that mean they can milk them and their campaigns for all they’re worth? Are they simply trying to help good people get elected? Or both?
Full StoryIf at first you don't succeed, you'd better hope the GAO gives you a second chance.
Full StorySay what you will about Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina — she delivers (on commercials, at least).
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Sales taxes are down and the recession in Texas hasn't bottomed, so financial concerns will almost certainly factor into the governor's race. Ben Philpott, covering that contest for KUT News and the Tribune, takes a look.
Full StoryStiles and Babalola's long-awaited red-light camera data app. Grissom's two-parter on a powerful Texan's quest to change the DPS report on the crash that killed his son. Ramshaw's two-parter on transitional medicine. Thevenot on the charter school queue. And a ton of political news: KBH filed (but our TribCasters wondered about her path to the GOP nod); Debra Medina filed (and Hamilton tried to sort out what effect she'll have on the race); Farouk Shami defiantly remained in the Democratic primary (but Hu couldn't find evidence that he'd voted very often, let alone like a Democrat); and Rick Perry sent personalized messages to every Tom, Dick, and fill-in-the-blank. The best of our best from December 7 to 11, 2009
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Gotta hand it to these young Republicans for not letting a bitter battle between their bosses get in the way of polite pleasantries on the street.
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Debra Medina may yet have a role to play in the race for governor. Analysts say her potential effect ranges from negligible to potential spoiler.
Full StoryWe are one third of the way through the Rick Perry & Kay Bailey Hutchison Christmas sing-along.
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Kay Bailey Hutchison wants Debra Medina included in gubernatorial debates.
Full StoryTexans for Rick Perry has released its new radio ad, "Texas Values." It's airing on stations across Texas, according to the campaign.
Full StoryGov. Rick Perry has some things to say about the federal government. Hint: They are not good.
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In 2008, the file at DPS headquarters in Austin still said Scotty Caven III caused the August 2004 car crash that killed him and two others. Officials there had declined to reopen and investigate the case. But his father, UT System regent Scott Caven Jr., wouldn’t take no for an answer.
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