TribWire: February, 2010

The best content about Texas politics, public policy, and government from around the Web and around the world.

For news about Texas universities, don't miss our CampusWire.

• 

  Paul burned by Tea Party blowback

  Politico | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Rep. Ron Paul, the libertarian-oriented Republican whose 2008 presidential run provided kindling for the Tea Party movement, suddenly finds himself dealing with the blowback: a handful of Tea Party-inspired candidates are seeking to dislodge him in Tuesday’s Texas Republican primary.

• 

  Cornyn making no projections in gov race

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  U.S. Sen. John Cornyn would love for U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison to stay put if she doesn't win the race for governor, but he hasn't told her that to her face.

• 

  Donations help Democrats fund digital voting

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Votes cast in Maverick County will be counted electronically for Tuesday's primary after some Democrats, including some candidates, pitched in to help the local party pay off a $10,500 debt and avoid a hand-counting of the ballots.

• 

  Texas electricity deregulation opinions all over the grid in industry panel

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Depending on who you are, deregulation of the Texas electric industry has been a boon or a burden.

• 

  GOP challengers join Texas ed board battleground

  Associated Press | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Uproar over the evolution curriculum. Divides over religious influences in American history. A board member who called public schools a "subtly deceptive tool of perversion."

• 

  Tuesday is Election Day for primaries

  Taylor Daily Press | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  “Vote early, vote often,” is the mantra to be heard at voting locations across the county. While early voting officially ended Friday, Election Day Tuesday will finalize primary results for the November ballot.

• 

  Dallas ISD teachers' misconduct with students was kept quiet

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Dallas school investigators determined last spring that teacher Leslie Michel Finch behaved inappropriately with the 17-year-old boy as early as December 2008, according to district records.

• 

  U.S. Senate hopefuls in Texas raise money, wait for Hutchison

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Republican primary for governor that ends Tuesday – or in a runoff six weeks later – has eclipsed another contest for a prize just as big: an open U.S. Senate seat.

• 

  State aims to make groundwater rules more uniform

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With the population of Central Texas booming, water has become the chief maker or breaker of development. With just about every drop of river water already spoken for, suppliers, especially in Central Texas, are turning to underground water in counties to the east as the next big source

• 

  Hutchison predicts runoff; Perry talks about 'sensible approach' to gun laws

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Kay Bailey Hutchison predicted a runoff in the Republican race for governor, telling voters Saturday that "we're going to start all over" and win.

• 

  Bill White calls for accuracy in census in Dallas

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Democratic candidate for governor Bill White urged a complete census count of Texans on Saturday, using the pitch to take a poke at Gov. Rick Perry.

• 

  Perry, Bush share stage, but this is not an endorsement, aides say

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former President George W. Bush will share a stage tonight with Gov. Rick Perry at a church fund-raising dinner.

• 

  John Kanelis: Perry set to join right-wing elite?

  Amarillo Globe-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Move over, Sarah Palin. You very well could be supplanted as the darling of the Republican Party's right wing.

• 

  Is anti-government governor worth his salt if he holds his party at certain barbecue joint?

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Help me out here, folks.

• 

  Leal: Outsiders excited to support his campaign

  Amarillo Globe-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Restaurant owner Victor Leal says he is getting much-needed financial support from business people everywhere because they are excited about his candidacy in Texas House District 87.

• 

  Swinford's retirement likely $55K to $60

  Amarillo Globe-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In the nearly 20 years he has served in the Texas Legislature, Rep. David Swinford has earned $600 a month and has never gotten a pay raise.

• 

  Candidates go negative as campaigns wind down

  McAllen Monitor | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With regular voting for the primary election just days away, some Hidalgo County candidates have gone negative on the airwaves.

• 

  Campaign races enter homestretch

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's Republican primary challenge to Gov. Rick Perry had been billed as the “clash of the titans,” but the only question left for Tuesday's showdown is whether Perry can crush Hutchison's dreams without a runoff.

• 

  For Buyout Kingpins, the TXU Utility Deal Gets Tricky

  New York Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  IN the fall of 2007, nerves were fraying on Wall Street. Billions of dollars promised to private equity firms to finance an epic acquisition spree were threatened, and banks wanted dealmakers to share the pain. Renegotiate the loans, the banks said. The private equity firms disagreed: a deal, they argued, is a deal.

• 

  In Fort Worth speech, George W. Bush offers glimpse inside his presidency

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  He read 92 history books in one year while in office, was awed by soldiers and military families, and was comforted and sustained by the power of prayer.

• 

  Why is D.C. an issue in governor's race?

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Rep. Brandon Creighton had an idea, but he needed help.

• 

  Perry's message frustrates Hutchison

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison rode a quarter horse with a heavy winter coat down the middle of Texas Avenue on Saturday morning, diligently waving to the thousands of Houston-area families that lined each side of the street.

• 

  The Axis of the Obsessed and Deranged

  New York Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  No one knows what history will make of the present — least of all journalists, who can at best write history’s sloppy first draft. But if I were to place an incautious bet on which political event will prove the most significant of February 2010, I wouldn’t choose the kabuki health care summit that generated all the ink and 24/7 cable chatter in Washington. I’d put my money instead on the murder-suicide of Andrew Joseph Stack III, the tax protester who flew a plane into an office building housing Internal Revenue Service employees in Austin, Tex., on Feb. 18. It was a flare with the dark afterlife of an omen.

• 

  For Buyout Kingpins, the TXU Utility Deal Gets Tricky

  New York Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  IN the fall of 2007, nerves were fraying on Wall Street. Billions of dollars promised to private equity firms to finance an epic acquisition spree were threatened, and banks wanted dealmakers to share the pain. Renegotiate the loans, the banks said. The private equity firms disagreed: a deal, they argued, is a deal.

• 

  Board recommends Perry issue pardon in DNA case

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas' pardons and parole board has recommended clemency in the case of man who died in prison after he was wrongly convicted of rape.

• 

  Paperwork mistake led to Dallas County felons' accidental pardons

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A former constable now running for Dallas County clerk is the beneficiary of a paperwork snafu in which the county's criminal-court judges granted unsolicited pardons to perhaps hundreds of convicted felons over the years.

• 

  Perry brags about grassroots fundraising, but most money on record day came from a wealthy few

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry bragged this week about making fundraising history in a Texas governor's race by bringing in $1.3 million in one day from grassroots support.

• 

  U.S. announces Texas roundup of 300 immigrants with criminal records

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Nearly 300 illegal immigrants with criminal convictions were arrested this week in Texas, federal immigration officials and prosecutors said today.

• 

  Hutchison says she's staying in Senate for now to fight health care overhaul

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison said Friday that she is prepared to stay in the Senate for as long as eight more months if Congress is still debating health care reform.

• 

  Texas: Sweep Seeks Criminal Immigrants

  New York Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Federal, local and state authorities arrested 284 immigrants with criminal records during a three-day enforcement surge across Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Friday that it was the biggest operation seeking out illegal criminal immigrants that they had ever conducted in the state. Of the 284 people arrested, 159 had previous convictions for violent crimes. Arrests in the Dallas-Fort Worth area netted 119 criminal immigrants, and there were 73 in San Antonio, 59 in Houston and 33 in El Paso. Those arrested came from countries in Asia and Central and South America.

• 

  Decision '10: Dee Margo near winning House District 78 nomination

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Businessman Dee Margo's campaign has stagnated, but he is still on the cusp of clinching the Republican nomination for the Texas House District 78 seat, according to a new El Paso Times poll.

• 

  Chávez's lead erodes: Candidates appear in dead heat as election nears

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The race between state Rep. Norma Chávez and Assistant County Attorney Naomi Gonzalez is so close that either could win the House District 76 seat outright, a new El Paso Times poll shows.

• 

  Hutchison brings campaign to Wichita Falls

  Wichita Falls Times Record News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison brought her campaign to Wichita Falls Friday, arriving at Berend Turf and Tractor on Seymour Highway moments after her chief opponent for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Rick Perry, appeared at an economic development announcement.

• 

  Some Texans gear up for Senate race that has yet to start

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Some call it the "ghost race" -- one that many believe will occur but has yet to materialize.

• 

  Texas governor race: Perry, Hutchison stop by

  Amarillo Globe-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Calico County Restaurant. Red Wing Shoes. Oliver's Saddle Shop. And Friday afternoon it was Coldwell Banker First Equity Realtors. Those are some of the unlikely stops where Rick Perry and Kay Bailey Hutchison have stumped for Panhandle votes as part of the Republican primary for Texas governor.

• 

  Brady funds come from across state

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Since he launched his campaign for Texas House District 83 in September, Zach Brady said he would not accept money from out-of-the-area donors who give tens of thousands of dollars to candidates for Texas Legislature seats and other state offices.

• 

  House District candidates spar

  Beeville Bee-Picayune | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  While other candidates explained why voters should choose them, Beeville attorney Jose Aliseda spent his five minutes at Monday night’s candidates forum telling voters why they shouldn’t choose to return his opponent to office.

• Rep. Todd Smith Fights For Re-Election

  KERA Dallas | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Across Texas, an unusually large number of Republican incumbents are being challenged from within their party. One of the most hard-fought contests is in Bedford where seven-term legislator Todd Smith is defending his record.

• 

  Utility Taps Power of Bush Bigwigs

  Wall Street Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Bush-Cheney Alumni Association held its first event Friday at a Washington hotel.

• 

  Despite lifting of gun ban, Christmas Mountains won't be transferred

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson says he still won't support the transfer of the Christmas Mountains to the National Park Service despite this week's lifting of a ban on guns in national parks.

• 

  Lines drawn over census results

  CNN | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  President Obama recently encouraged Americans to "take about 10 minutes to answer 10 questions" and fill out their 2010 census form.

• 

  Obama nominates state judge as U.S. attorney for Eastern District of Texas

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Thirteen months into his term, President Barack Obama announced his first pick Thursday for a federal prosecutor in Texas.

• 

  Perry's Money Cannon

  Texas Observer | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry's "money cannon" shot quite a wad on Wednesday. The campaign claimed it raised $1.3 million with a marketing scheme based on Ron Paul's moneybombs. The concept was beautifully simple: Get a ton of people to send the governor a lot of money in just 24 hours—it'll be fun, folks!—and voila.

• 

  Conservatives target their own fringe

  Politico | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  After months of struggling to harness the energy of newly engaged tea party activists, the conservative establishment - with critical midterm congressional elections on the horizon - is taking aim for the first time at the movement’s extremist elements.

• 

  Former arts commissioner arrested

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A Dallas man appointed to head a Texas arts commission was arrested at Southern Methodist University on trespassing charges after he was warned to stay off the campus because students have filed complaints alleging that he offered alcohol to minors, officials said.

• 

  On background: Bushies reunite

  Politico | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Just over a year after he left office, one part of President George W. Bush’s legacy is clearly intact: a code of omerta among his loyalists.

• 

  Dallas Fort Worth traffic: Tollway authority votes to take over Southwest Parkway, Texas 161

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Future traffic improvement in southern Tarrant County and northern Johnson County is now firmly in the control of the North Texas Tollway Authority.

• 

  Obama plan could be a boon for Med Center

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Despite a proposed federal spending freeze, President Barack Obama is seeking more money for medical research for maladies such as cancer and autism — a potential boon for Houston institutions on the cutting edge of the diseases' treatments and cures.

• 

  GOP candidates for House District 47 step up attacks

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The three candidates in the GOP primary in House District 47 are stepping up their attacks on each other as Election Day — Tuesday — approaches.

• 

  As Republican gubernatorial primary closes in, Hutchison faces a Texas-size challenge

  Washington Post | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Shortly after Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison walked into Ruby's Diner on the Square here Tuesday morning, Bob Andrews greeted her warmly. "Welcome back to Texas," he said. Hutchison recoiled. "I live in Texas," she said.

• 

  US closes consulate in Reynosa after Mexico border gunfights

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  The United States has temporarily closed its consular office in the Mexican border city of Reynosa, across from McAllen, Texas, after gunbattles with drug gangs rocked the area this week.

• 

  Earle brings his campaign to Tarrant

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former longtime Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle spoke to the Mid-Cities Democrats for just six minutes before a man asked him about the case that's made him such a darling of his party.

• 

  Spinning the stimulus

  Stateline.org | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  When President Obama hosted the nation’s governors at a dinner last week, he gave a toast that captured the difference between a chief executive — state or federal — and a member of Congress.

• 

  Voters to help shape education with board vote

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas voters are about to get a say over how to teach evolution in public schools or what historical figures to put into new textbooks.

• 

  Cary Clack: Survey excavates surprising beliefs

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Next month, the Witte Museum will unveil a new exhibit called Dinosaurs Unearthed that will have, among its features, the first life-size feather-covered dinosaur models.

• 

  Democratic Texas governor candidate Shami votes

  Associated Press | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami voted Thursday in the Texas primary and said he was "100 percent confident" he would prevail and win his party's nomination.

• 

  Campaigning in the Valley, Democrat Bill White blasts Rick Perry's record

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Bill White dashed through seven cities in the Rio Grande Valley on Thursday, trying to lock down votes for Tuesday's Democratic primary but already looking ahead to a fall contest against incumbent Gov. Rick Perry.

• 

  With Hodge still on ballot, mail votes could be key in House Democratic primary

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Dallas County elections officials have issued 940 mail ballots for the Texas House District 100 Democratic primary, an indication of the high-stakes politics being played to win the seat.

• 

  State district court candidate Christine Pacheco returns $3.5K in contributions

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A candidate for a state district court judgeship said Thursday she had returned almost $3,500 to a law firm after discovering that its contributions to her campaign might have exceeded state limits.

• 

  Unions back county hopefuls in Pct. 2 race

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  While organized labor in Texas doesn't have the political clout it used to, it's front and center in the Bexar County commissioners race in Precinct 2 — with the largest, most influential labor group in county government backing former Councilwoman Delicia Herrera and the AFL-CIO backing incumbent Paul Elizondo.

• 

  Agriculture commissioner candidate Hank Gilbert would make people think Texas when they eat beef

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  It's not so much a question of what's for dinner as where it came from.

• 

  Rep. Silvestre Reyes legislation making torture a crime up for vote today

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes on Thursday introduced legislation that establishes criminal penalties for intelligence officers and federal contractors who use torture to gain information.

• 

  E-Verify system to check worker status inaccurate, misses half of illegal workers

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The system Congress and the Obama administration want U.s. employers to use to help curb illegal immigration is failing to catch more than half of the unauthorized workers it checks, a research company has found.

• 

  Former Dallas mayor pro tem, 2 others to receive corruption sentences

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill and two others convicted last year of bribery and extortion will be sentenced today for their part in the massive City Hall corruption investigation that began more than five years ago.

• 

  Castro pushes for nuclear loan guarantees

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro made a whirlwind swing through the nation's capital Thursday to lobby White House and Energy Department officials for loan guarantees for the South Texas Project nuclear plant.

• 

  Door to door: Residents of colonias will be counted first in census push

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Colonias will be the first areas counted by Census Bureau workers, who will go door to door to canvas those impoverished neighborhoods.

• 

  Who Gets Wrongly Convicted and Why

  Texas Observer | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  On Feb. 4, Freddie Peacock was cleared of his wrongful conviction for rape 33 years ago in New York state. He’s the 250th innocent person exonerated in the United States by DNA testing, according to the New York-based Innocence Project. To mark the occasion, the Innocence Project released a report that details each of the 250 cases.

• 

  Rick Perry on Kay Bailey Hutchison: 'I Take Her Serious. I Took Kinky Friedman Serious.'

  Politics Daily | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The primary isn't until Tuesday, but in what sure sounded like throat-clearing for her concession speech, Kay Bailey Hutchison said this week that she just can't believe that Gov. Rick Perry managed to get so many Republican primary voters in Texas to see her as this creature of Washington. Perry, who unless he starts channeling Claytie Williams or goes on a killing rampage is likely to prevail next week, talked about his bid for a third term in an interview with Politics Daily.

• 

  Shami cuts a rug in South Side campaign stop

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Farouk Shami pledged to South Side residents Thursday that as governor he would donate his salary to “education for children,” and give the state $10 million of his own money if he fails to bring 100,000 jobs to Texas — and then he danced.

• 

  Early voting concludes today

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Today is the last day of early voting in the primary election that has several high-profile races, including for Texas governor and El Paso County judge.

• 

  Ron Paul 2012?

  New York Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Matt Welch, left, of Reason and Eli Lake of The Washington Times debate Ron Paul's CPAC straw poll victory.

• 

  Doggett remains hopeful for a new top federal prosecutor soon

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A Central Texas congressman said Thursday that he remains hopeful the open spot for a top federal prosecutor would be filled soon.

• 

  Runoffs address dilemmas of majorities - and minorities

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison could be headed for a tough decision about quitting. This would be in addition to her decision about quitting the Senate after Tuesday's GOP gubernatorial primary. This one could be about quitting the gubernatorial race if she qualifies for a runoff.

• 

  Ending today, early voting likely to double that of '06 primary

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  With early voting coming to end this evening, more Houstonians are casting their ballots before next week's primary than in 2006, the last time Texans went to the polls to choose a governor.

• 

  Kenneth Starr's first test at Baylor? Ending the bickering

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Kenneth Starr's years as an independent prosecutor became a litmus test for the nation while he investigated Bill Clinton and members of Clinton's presidential administration.

• 

  Republicans Perry, Hutchison lead fundraising

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Together, Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison have raised $45 million since the last gubernatorial election and have spent liberally in their heated Republican primary challenge.

• 

  Residents of colonias will be counted first in census push

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Colonias will be the first areas counted by Census Bureau workers, who will go door to door to canvas those impoverished neighborhoods.

• 

  Fort Worth mayor on city's needs: redevelopment, transportation, services

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  With the recession still smoldering, Mayor Mike Moncrief said the city needs to think big and focus on redevelopment, transportation and city services.

• Rep. Reyes Introduces a Measure Re-Criminalizing Torture

  Washington Independent | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas), the chairman of the House intelligence committee, introduced an amendment to the 2010 intelligence authorization bill imposing a 15-year criminal sentence on any “officer or employee of the intelligence community” who tortures a detainee. (Twenty years if the torture involves an “act of medical malfeasance”; life if the detainee dies.)

• 

  Rest in Peace, Myra McDaniel

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Myra A. McDaniel, who served as Texas' first African American secretary of state, died today at age 77.

• Homebuilder Bob Perry gives $25k to House GOP candidate

  Trail Blazers: Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Houston homebuilder Bob Perry and his wife Doylene on Tuesday sent an 11th-hour, $25,000 contribution to a Republican candidate for the Texas House who once served as executive director of the state agency that hears homeowner complaints against builders.

• 

  The Chosen One

  Texas Observer | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In a nondescript strip mall tucked between used-car lots and fast-food restaurants in southwest San Antonio, Linda Chavez-Thompson is plotting the course of her latest improbable journey: becoming Texas’ first Latina lieutenant governor.

• 

  A Utility Will Help Homeowners Go Solar

  New York Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  TXU Energy, a Texas utility with two million customers, is making it possible for homeowners in the Dallas area to lease or buy rooftop solar-power systems in one of the first programs of its kind.

• 

  Ambassador: DEA agents not embedded in anti-drug units in Juárez

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  The U.S. Embassy in Mexico denied news reports that the U.S. government is embedding agents in Mexican anti-drug units in Juárez.

• 

  Lone Bar State

  Mother Jones | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  LATE ON A BALMY Saturday night last June, six Fort Worth cops and two officers from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission went looking for trouble. They had just raided two Hispanic bars in an industrial stretch of town and nine detainees now sat in the paddy wagon (pdf), hands bound with plastic ties. The rest of the city's bars would soon shut down. It seemed like the night was over, except for the paperwork. Then Sergeant Richard Morris had an idea. "Hey," he said. "Let's go to the Rainbow Lounge."

• 

  Texas Transportation Commission OKs loan to North Texas Tollway Authority for State Highway 161

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The North Texas Tollway Authority has been fighting for nearly three years to build the State Highway 161 toll road, and on Friday its board members will finally have to decide whether it really wants to.

• 

  Perry, Hutchison spar before friendly crowd in Houston

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With time running short, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison shared a stage with Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday night and made the case that Republicans should think twice before putting him on the ticket again.

• 

  Spanish names do carry clout

  Corpus Christi Caller-Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Political prognosticators and demographers alike figure that Hispanics are the growth industry in Texas politics.

• 

  GOP gubernatorial foes go head-to-head to make a final plea to Texas voters

  Associated Press | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison called herself the reformer. Activist Debra Medina said she was David to her opponents' Goliath. Gov. Rick Perry touted himself as the protector from Washington's evils and incompetence.

• Former campaign manager says U.S. House candidate Curnock owes him $16,000

  Waco Tribune-Herald | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Rob Curnock’s former campaign manager claims the Waco Republican U.S. House candidate owes him $16,000 from his 2008 race for the office, an accusation Curnock sharply disputed Wednesday.

• 

  Activists planning a loud tea party in Texas

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Taking a page from the playbook of social conservatives, the tea party movement is trying to change the Republican Party of Texas from the ground up.

• Conroe Campaign Stop: Hutchison critical of Perry’s campaign ads

  Conroe Courier | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The lady in red who spent time at every table in Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish restaurant in Conroe Wednesday wasn’t hustling for tips, she was stumping for votes.

• Biomedical facility in works

  Bryan-College Station Eagle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Almost $40 million in federal research grants have cleared the way for the Texas A&M University System and a private company to begin construction on a vaccine manufacturing facility that local leaders say will bring more than 100 high-paying jobs to Brazos County and spark a biomedical boom in the region.

• 

  Hodge tells backers to stop pushing her candidacy for Texas House

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  State Rep. Terri Hodge asked supporters Wednesday to stop pushing her candidacy in the District 100 race for the Texas House.

• 

  Minuteman Project founder endorses Perry

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The founder of the anti-illegal immigration group the Minuteman Project endorsed Rick Perry's re-election bid Wednesday in Dallas.

• 

  State District Judge Mark Stoltz faces accusation ahead of primary

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  State District Judge Mark Stoltz, facing a re-election fight in Tuesday's Democratic primary, was accused of not telling "the whole truth" by another judge while testifying about whether or not he knew the victim of a man on trial for a string of purse snatchings in Stoltz's court.

• 

  Defense attorneys file civil lawsuit against DA

  Brownsville Herald | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Several defense attorneys have filed a civil lawsuit in federal court claiming that the Cameron County District Attorney and others in his office conspired to "black-ball" and "black-list" them.

• 

  Victims' Wrongs

  Houston Press | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  It was about 8:30 p.m. on New Year's Day when 18-year-old Taylor Brooks steered his black Camaro into an open-air parking lot in Midtown.

• 

  US advises 'extreme caution' for Juárez

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A new State Department travel alert advises U.S. citizens to "exercise extreme caution" when visiting Juárez, Chihuahua state and other violent regions of Mexico.

• 

  Former Fort Worth schools employee says she was fired for reporting payroll problems

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In a whistle-blower lawsuit, a former Fort Worth school district employee claims that she was fired because she alerted officials about problems with a new payroll system.

• 

  Plan to add wind farm land heads to council

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  On the mesas of West Texas, wind turbines are now as much a part of the landscape as tumbleweeds and big skies, but they are still generally perceived as the kind of projects that require the backing of a daring entrepreneur.

• 

  Divided court tosses death sentence for Hood

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In a case that has come to symbolize the tension between swift justice and the proper application of the death penalty, the state's highest criminal court Wednesday tossed out the death sentence for Charles Dean Hood but not because his trial judge and prosecutor were having an affair.

• 

  Candidates collide in race for Northeast Tarrant House seat

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With less than a week until the primaries, accusations of mudslinging are flying across Tarrant County's mid-cities as state Rep. Todd Smith of Euless battles former Bedford City Councilman Jeff Cason.

• 

  Keith Olbermann turns down invitation to Saturday's Dallas Tea Party anniversary rally

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  At least one invited guest will not be coming to Saturday's Dallas Tea Party anniversary rally.

• 

  Cornyn hopes Hutchison stays in Senate if she loses governor's race

  The Hill | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) should stay in the Senate if she falls short in her bid to become governor of Texas, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said Wednesday.

• 

  A&M scientists back EPA finding

  Texas Climate News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  After Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott formally challenged the federal conclusion that greenhouse gases are harmful pollutants, the Houston Chronicle’s Eric Berger asked if he had consulted with any of Texas’ own “eminent climate scientists” before filing petitions that dismiss scientific conclusions about global warming as the product of “colluding and scheming.”

• 

  Out and About

  Texas Monthly | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The social politics of being the first openly gay mayor of Texas’s largest city.

• 

  Poll: Hutchison slipping with less than a week to go

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  While U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is hoarding money for a possible Republican runoff, campaign finance reports show Gov. Rick Perry has increased his spending on television commercials in hopes of winning Tuesday's primary outright.

• 

  El Paso near bottom of Web site's most affluent cities list

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A ranking of cities with the most wealthy residents puts El Paso near the bottom. It ranked 389th on a list of 420 cities compiled by Portfolio.com. It used 2008 U.S. Census data.

• 

  17 House Republicans fighting party challengers

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  It might be generalized voter anger or frustration that 17 incumbent Republican state representatives will face from challengers in Tuesday's party primary.

• 

  Southwest Parkway could eventually become a cash cow

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The proposed Southwest Parkway toll road from Fort Worth to Cleburne could generate a whopping $15 billion surplus from toll-paying motorists between roughly 2033 and 2063, after initial bonds issued to build the 28-mile project are paid off.

• 

  At tech-savvy DFW districts, netbooks are joining textbooks

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Educators and school boards in North Texas are racing to equip their students with the essential tool of the 21st-century learner: laptop computers.

• 

  City rebuffed by state over refinery air permit

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas regulators rejected Houston's plea for a public hearing before renewing the air pollution permit of the city's largest refinery for 10 years Wednesday, illustrating what some say are flaws in state environmental law.

• 

  Tea party activists want to change the GOP direction

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Taking a page from the playbook of social conservatives, the “tea party” movement is trying to change the Republican Party of Texas from the ground up.

• 

  Perry, Hutchison spar before crowd in Houston

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  With time running short, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison shared a stage with Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday night and made the case that Republicans should think twice before putting him on the ticket again.

• 

  White gets big donation from Democratic governors

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Democratic Governors Association gave former Houston Mayor Bill White a $500,000 contribution to his gubernatorial campaign on Feb. 15, signaling that national party leaders think White can topple the Republican nominee this November.

• 

  White pushes to get voters to polls early at Austin rally

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White joined former state Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos on Wednesday evening for a pachanga, rally and push to get voters to the polls.

• 

  Candidates share a table - but not much else ­- at Houston fundraiser

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  When GOP gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina said on Wednesday evening that Gov. "Rick Perry is leading Texas all right - right into a ditch" - the object of her criticism was sitting directly below the podium where she stood.

• 

  Cornyn to Kay: Oh won't you stay...

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, would prefer not to deal with a vacancy from Texas if U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison fails in her bid to unseat Gov. Rick Perry.

• 

  Texas: Endorsements Shore Up Perry's Right Flank

  Congressional Quarterly | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas Gov. Rick Perry's efforts to consolidate support from conservative voters in advance of Tuesday's Republican primary got another boost: an endorsement by Jim Gilchrist, founder and president of the Minuteman Project, which staunchly opposes illegal immigration.

• 

  Are You of Spanish Descent? State May Owe You Cash

  Fox Houston | 6 months ago | suggested by Elise Hu

  The surface of that south Texas land today is laden with the signs of the vast mineral wealth below, wells old and new yielding immense fortunes in natural gas and oil. Year after year, a portion of the profits from these hydrocarbons goes unclaimed, royalty income for which energy companies insist they can locate no rightful owner. By law, that money is now surrendered to the state for safekeeping, roughly $211 million dollars so far, according to the Texas Comptroller.

• 

  Dems for Lite Gov: The D.A., the Organizer, and the Deli Man

  Austin Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Elise Hu

  For the Democrats, this primary is in some ways a facsimile of their 2006 experience.

• 

  Kay Bailey Hutchison skips jobs bill vote

  Washington Post | 6 months ago | suggested by Reeve Hamilton

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison decided to skip Wednesday morning's vote on the $15 billion job-creation bill as she battles against being dubbed a "Washington insider" in the Texas gubernatorial GOP primary.

• 

  Poll: Perry on edge of victory in GOP primary

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry may be on the verge of locking up the Texas Republican nomination for governor, according to a new poll by Rasmussen Reports.The survey shows Perry has gained four percentage points in the past two weeks and now leads 48 percent to 27 percent for U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and 16 percent for activist Debra Medina. Nine percent of the likely Republican voters remained undecided, but if they all broke to the other candidates that would only guarantee a runoff.

• 

  Perry-Hutchison-Medina "virtual" debate, courtesy of the Tea Party

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Thought the gubernatorial debates were over? Think again. Common Sense Texans, the umbrella organization for dozens of Tea Party and 9/12 groups around the state, managed to persuade the big three Republican candidates, along with Democrat Bill White, to sit in front of a camera and answer 10 questions submitted by Tea Party activists.

• Kay Bailey Hutchison Scrambles for North Texas Votes

  KERA Dallas | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  It's 8:15 in the morning, and Kay Bailey Hutchison greets a few dozen supporters at her first stop of the day, a Denton town square caf . As the election clock ticks toward March 2nd , Hutchison is rushing to catch up with Rick Perry, still ahead in the polls. She says she's up to the challenge.

• 

  How a tough Texas woman whipped the recession

  CNN | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  In the greatest traditions of cowboy culture, my hat is off to Laura Culin. If the recession is the bull that threw her, tenacity is the thing that made her climb back on, and at her family’s lumber yard on the edge of Austin, she is hanging tough. Walking into the retail section of her business in a fuzzy pink sweater, with a huge smile, and a never-quit attitude, she greets visitors with handshake and a clear message: this is my place and it’s here to stay.

• 

  Schwertner outspends opponents in race for state House seat

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  One candidate in the crowed race for the Republican nomination for the state House of Representatives seat in District 20 has spent almost four times as much as two of his rivals.

• 

  In Fort Worth, Hutchison rips Perry on taxes, spending during his tenure

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With one week to go before the Republican primary for governor, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison cast herself Tuesday as the only true conservative candidate able to move Texas forward.

• 

  What spiked Hardin County's GOP vote

  Beaumont Enterprise | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With high unemployment nationwide and a struggling economy in which billions of tax dollars have bailed out corporations, anger and disappointment might mean more votes for Republicans - and early voting numbers appear to support that theory in some areas.

• 

  Miles, Edwards rekindle rivalry for House seat

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In the 4000 block of Old Spanish Trail, an old theater juts like a ship's prow above the aging strip centers, empty lots and fast-food joints along the busy thoroughfare that slices across south Houston.

• 

  Segment of GOP primary voters a 'wild card'

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  One of the wonders at Wonderland of the Americas on Tuesday was that Kenneth Platt voted Republican for the first time in his life.

• 

  Hutchison visits Denton

  Denton Record-Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison kicked off a daylong tour of North Texas on Tuesday morning with a stop at Ruby’s Diner on the Square.

• State House speaker visits East Texas

  Longview News-Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas is in better shape economically than most of the nation, but officials still need to look at cost-cutting measures to keep the budget balanced, Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, said Monday.

• 

  Challenger's allegations rebuted

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The race for the 171st District Court judgeship is getting heated after the challenger published an ad in the El Paso Times to lodge allegations against incumbent Bonnie Rangel.

• 

  Campaign finance: Commissioners, county attorney races get donors

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Donors this month gave more than $112,000 to candidates running for the El Paso County Commissioners Court and for county attorney, campaign finance reports show.

• 

  District 76 candidates raise $100,000

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  State Rep. Norma Chávez and her main challenger have raised more than $100,000 each for their House District 76 Democratic primary race.

• 

  Medina's campaign loses some ground after 9-11 comments, polls show

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  After rising from obscurity to become a significant factor in the three-way Republican race for governor, candidate Debra Medina appears to be losing ground after her remarks in a national radio interview about the 9-11 terrorist attacks, according to two public opinion surveys released Tuesday.

• 

  Tarrant County district attorney's race takes a trip down memory lane

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The district attorney's race took a trip back in time to 1977 this week as challenger Kirk Claunch mailed a campaign flier criticizing incumbent Joe Shannon for not securing a conviction in the Cullen Davis murder trial.

• 

  All eyes on race for top Texan

  San Angelo Standard-Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Tom Green County Republican Party Chairman Russ Duerstine and his co-chairwoman, Lou Brown, have no problem admitting they are supporting different candidates for governor, although they are not allowed to make official party endorsements.

• Republican candidate's ad taken off electronic billboard

  Waco Tribune-Herald | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  An electronic billboard in Bellmead intermittently beamed an advertisement for Republican Dave McIntyre’s congressional campaign for about a week before transportation officials told the billboard’s owner to pull the plug on the ad.

• 

  Health plan crisis for state workers?

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  As Texas leaders call for more discipline in state spending, one area of the budget has been stubbornly resistant to their demands.

• 

  Harris Co. considers cremations for destitute

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Harris County is running out of room for paupers' graves, so it will start cremating the dead and destitute if Commissioners Court approves of the plan next month.

• 

  Harris County may look to reserves for Sheriff's Office

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Members of Commissioners Court said Tuesday that the county may need to exempt the Sheriff's Office from a hiring freeze and dip into reserve funds to increase the number of deputies, even as the court cuts millions in spending from other departments.

• 

  Texas agency tightens discharge rules for juvies

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Mentally ill juvenile offenders released because they can't be treated in custody will now receive court-ordered psychiatric treatment under an emergency measure adopted by the Texas Youth Commission.

• 

  New Texas task force will tackle human trafficking

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A new state task force will take an aggressive stand against human traffickers, who have turned Texas into a hub for international and domestic forced labor and prostitution rings, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said Tuesday in Dallas.

• 

  U.S. attorney defends immigration prosecutions

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  U.S. Attorney John Murphy fired back Tuesday against Austin federal Judge Sam Sparks' recent accusations that seeking criminal convictions against some illegal immigrants is a waste of taxpayer money.

• 

  Task force urges education on homeless housing in Dallas

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A Dallas task force recommended Tuesday that the city launch a major campaign to educate the public about housing that officials want to build for the chronically homeless.

• 

  Justices let stand establishment of Neches refuge

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The U.S. Supreme Court has let stand a ruling that upholds creation of an east Texas national wildlife refuge along the Neches River.

• 

  Coal-state Democrats oppose global-warming rules

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Eight Democratic senators from industrial states want Congress — not the Environmental Protection Agency — to regulate pollution blamed for global warming, saying the issue has big implications for thousands of U.S. jobs and businesses.

• 

  El Paso won't join suit challenging open-meetings law

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The city will not join a lawsuit that hopes to alter the state's open-meetings law.

• 

  New U.S. magistrate judge for Northern District is a history-maker

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Barring any last-minute hiccups, longtime federal prosecutor Renee Harris Toliver will soon become the first African-American to sit on the federal magistrate bench in the Northern District of Texas.

• 

  Perry cites Hutchison prison deal

  Associated Press | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Hit with accusations of spreading "cronyism" throughout state government, Gov. Rick Perry waited until the last week of the primary to swing back.

• 

  Fort Worth school district declares financial exigency for 2nd year

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The school district declared a financial state of emergency for the second year in a row as officials try to get a handle on their budget woes.

• 

  Texas House race starting to get ugly in Plano

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Politically genteel Plano is witnessing a testier brand of politics this year.

• 

  Texas could feel impact of Obama's proposal to review health insurance premiums

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Obama administration's proposal to regulate health insurance premiums would add new supervision to a market in Texas that has largely been free from vigorous oversight.

• 

  Poll: More than half of Hispanics identify as conservative

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A bent to conservatism and family makes Hispanics a promising pool of votes for Republicans, but the party's targeting of illegal immigrants has withered its attraction.

• 

  City may lose battle over refinery's air permit

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas' environmental agency is set to renew the air pollution permit of Houston's largest refinery for 10 years despite the city's plea that regulators hold a public hearing first.

• 

  Medina loses ground in latest poll on Texas governor race

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Insurgent candidate Debra Medina has lost some ground in the Republican governor's race after a controversial radio interview about the 9/11 terrorist attacks, according to a new poll that also shows that Gov. Rick Perry would easily prevail in a potential runoff against his leading challenger, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

• 

  Texans can relate. Wyoming may adopt the 'cowboy code' as symbolic law

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Some members of the Wyoming Legislature want to instill “cowboy ethics” in state law, lest lawmakers and citizens forget the state’s western roots.

• 

  Despite a growing national presence, Paul faces unrest at home

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  In D.C. political circles, Texas Rep. Ron Paul is the quirky icon of libertarian conservatism, a cult figure on American college campuses with a national following large enough to help him capture the presidential poll at the nation's pre-eminent conservative action conference last weekend.

• 

  Navarrette: Dark horse with a shovel

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  If you think a little thing like entertaining the preposterous theory that the U.S. government toppled the Twin Towers would end someone's candidacy for governor, then you don't know Texas politics.

• 

  Hutchison: Perry's tactics tough on her campaign

  Associated Press | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison acknowledged Tuesday that Republican Gov. Rick Perry has succeeded at casting her as a Washington insider, hindering her effort to kick him out of the Texas governor's mansion.

• 

  Medina slips, still takes a fifth

  Politico | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Debra Medina, the tea party-aligned candidate for Texas governor, has faltered since suggesting earlier this month that the U.S. government may have been involved in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, according to a poll released Tuesday.

• 

  U.S. attorney defends Austin immigration prosecutions

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  U.S. Attorney John Murphy today fired back at Austin federal Judge Sam Sparks’ recent accusations that seeking criminal convictions against some illegal immigrants is a waste of taxpayer money.

• 

  Stanford Receiver Sues Political Groups

  Wall Street Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Five Republican and Democratic political groups were sued last week for the return of contributions they received from R. Allen Stanford, who has been accused of running a multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme.

• 

  Hutchison says she is the true conservative in Texas governor race

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With one week to go before the Republican gubernatorial primary, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison today cast herself as the only true conservative candidate able to move Texas forward.

• State House speaker visits East Texas

  Longview News-Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas is in better shape economically than most of the nation, but officials still need to look at cost-cutting measures to keep the budget balanced, Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, said Monday.

• 

  Questions of an Affair Tainting a Trial

  New York Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Morgan Smith

  In a 6-to-3 decision in September, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals told Mr. Hood that he had taken too long to raise the issue of whether a love affair between a judge and a prosecutor amounted to a conflict of interest.

• 

  Not just Republicans voting in local GOP primary

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  More than one out of every four Travis County residents who voted in the Republican primary during the first week of early voting this year also voted in the 2008 Democratic primary, according to some very interesting figures from Jeff Smith of Opinion Analysts Inc.

• 

  What happened to Kay Bailey Hutchison?

  Washington Post | 6 months ago | suggested by Reeve Hamilton

  With just seven days left in what was expected to be the marquee primary fight of the 2010 election, Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) remains stuck behind Gov. Rick Perry (R) in a campaign that even her most ardent supporters acknowledge has been decidedly disappointing.

• 

  Tuition at Texas Woman's University will rise in fall

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Tuition at Texas Woman's University will increase 4.89 percent next school year to $6,433.

• 

  Gov hopefuls vague on budget gap

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas expects a shortfall of at least $12 billion when lawmakers meet to write the next state budget, but major candidates for governor have few specifics on how they'd close the gap.

• 

  Recession Tightens Grip on State Tax Revenues

  New York Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The recession can now claim another troublesome record: state tax collections shrank at the end of 2009 for a fifth consecutive quarter, the longest period of continuing state revenue declines since at least the Great Depression, according to a new report.

• 

  Editorial: Balance Texas budget on 3-legged stool

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The candidates for governor have been less than forthcoming about how they would correct Texas' budget shortfall next year. Perhaps they are lacking in details because the state can't get out of its $10 billion to $15 billion budget hole without real pain. As the list of cuts that rolled out of state agencies last week showed, we can't get there without reducing spending on colleges, hospitals, prisons and public schools.

• 

  3 Democrats vying to challenge Lt. Gov. Dewhurst in November

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Unlike the highly visible race for governor, the battle for the state's second-highest office is being played well below the radar as three Democrats compete for the nomination to take on Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, the Republican incumbent who is unchallenged in his party's primary.

• 

  Social conservative faces tough battle for state ed board seat

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The battle for control of the State Board of Education will largely be determined by Republican primary voters in four key races – and nowhere is the competition more fierce than for the seat that represents part of Collin County and much of East Texas.

• 

  Early ballots pile up

  Denton Record-Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Early voting continues in Denton County for the March 2 primary election, and elections officials say numbers are on pace for a large increase over the last gubernatorial election.

• 

  Election mailer from political action committee is criticized

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A group calling itself the Law Enforcement Professionals of Tarrant County is distributing a flier endorsing candidates that it says reflect its "tough-on-crime philosophy" and criticizing those whom the group doesn't support in the March 2 primary.

• 

  Texas gubernatorial primaries drawing nearly twice the early voters as in 2006

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Nearly twice as many Texans cast early ballots for the March 2 primary in the first six days of voting as did in the last gubernatorial race in 2006, state election records show.

• 

  Voter turnout increases

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A few high-profile races between Republicans could be responsible for an increase in the number of voters who have cast early ballots.

• 

  Texans turning out in big numbers for primaries

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texans are turning out in big numbers in this year's primaries, buoyed by a high-profile race for governor with candidates crisscrossing the state and spending millions on TV.

• 

  School board OKs plan to cut programs, jobs

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Austin school board met past midnight Monday with a packed agenda that included controversial proposals to redraw school boundaries in Southwest Austin, possibly turn failing schools over to outside management and possibly declare the district in a state of impending fiscal crisis, which would allow Superintendent Meria Carstarphen to cut more than 100 positions.

• 

  'Tough times' as city faces revenue shortfall

  Abilene Reporter News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Reducing hours of operation for Abilene libraries is under consideration.

• 

  Federal official touts school grants

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Struggling public schools in Texas could be eligible for up to $338 million from the federal government to help implement ideas to boost student achievement and increase graduation rates.

• State cuts to affect local schools

  Longview News-Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Local athletes won't be tested for steroids with state money, and several instructional programs will be eliminated as part the Texas Education Agency's plan to cut more than $135 million from its budget.

• 

  420,000 residents along with slew of businesses seek refuge from gunfire

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Hundreds of thousands of people from violence-torn Juárez are abandoning their homes, closing their businesses and moving elsewhere.

• 

  Supreme Court ruling means no Lake Fastrill reservoir for Dallas

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The ever-thirstier cities of North Texas will have to look somewhere other than the Neches River in East Texas for their future water supplies.

• 

  Mexico's new passport law takes effect next month

  Brownsville Herald | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Foreign travelers will have to show a passport when traveling to Mexico’s interior beginning next month.

• 

  Court reverses ruling that sought new trial for convicted killer

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday reversed an appellate court's decision to grant a new trial for a Houston man convicted in the 1998 shooting of an off-duty police officer.

• 

  Houston teachers cram for revamped science curriculum

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Kindergarten science instruction will evolve beyond dinosaurs next August when Texas tots are introduced to chemistry, thermal dynamics and other tough topics under the state's new curriculum.

• 

  Perry will name new regents

  Wichita Falls Times Record News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Wichita Falls is likely on Gov. Rick Perry’s mind this month as he prepares to appoint four new regents for Midwestern State University.

• 

  TWU provost stepping down

  Denton Record-Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Kay Clayton, Texas Woman’s University’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, will step down effective March 1 because of health reasons.

• 

  Suit possible over baby DNA sent to military lab for national database

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  An Austin lawyer threatened to pursue a new federal lawsuit Monday after learning that some newborn blood samples in Texas went to the U.S. military for potential use in a database for law enforcement purposes.

• 

  William McKenzie: The fallacy of the Tea Party approach

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  What the Tea Party movement has done right is let Washington know that there is a limit to how big the government can grow and how much debt the country can take on.

• 

  Gubernatorial hopefuls offer few answers to budget puzzle

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas expects a shortfall of at least $12 billion when lawmakers meet to write the next budget, but major candidates for governor have few specifics on how they would exert their leadership to close the gap.

• 

  OPINION: How Dems can survive the flood

  The Hill | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  As Democratic House Members in swing districts get ready for tough campaigns this fall, let me offer the following advice based on my own experience in 1994.

• 

  John Cornyn: GOP can't count chickens yet

  Politico | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sen. John Cornyn is struggling with a problem his party hasn’t seen much lately: high expectations.

• 

  Video: A day in the life of a Republican candidate

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina make political stops across Texas. (DMN-Photos: Tom Fox, Michael Ainsworth and Courtney Perry/Editing: Nathan Hunsinger)

• The business side of politics

  El Paso Inc. | 6 months ago | suggested by Reeve Hamilton

  In this cycle, not quite half the advertising in the El Paso area is coming from Democratic gubernatorial candidates Farouk Shami and Bill White.

• 

  Court: No new trial in Texas police officer death

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Reeve Hamilton

  The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday reversed a lower court decision that gave a new trial to a man condemned for killing an off-duty Houston police officer.

• 

  Uninformed about transportation? I was once, too

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  As a reality check, sometimes I think back to my pre-journalism self, the petroleum engineer working in Denver in 1983.

• 

  Secret testimony: Tarrant judge acted as prosecutor

  Associated Press | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  For years, thousands of probation revocation cases moved through the courtroom of one Texas judge with remarkable efficiency.

• 

  GOP's Demographic Wager: Courting Latino Candidates

  Wall Street Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Some high-profile Republicans are adopting a softer vocabulary on immigration and trying to recruit more Hispanic candidates, a response to the party's soul-searching about tactics that many strategists believe have alienated the country's fastest-growing voter bloc.

• Gov. Rick Perry makes a stop in Montgomery County

  Conroe Courier | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry told Montgomery County supporters Sunday that “there is a land of opportunity in America and it’s called Texas.”

• 

  Supreme Court seat draws 6 GOP hopefuls

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Six Republicans, all hampered by a lack of time and money, are vying for one open seat on one of the state's most important but least understood benches: the Texas Supreme Court.

• 

  High-tech border fence is slow going

  Los Angeles Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The radar, cameras and satellite signals, originally expected to be completed by 2011, will probably not be ready for at least seven years. 'It was a great idea, but it didn't work,' an official says.

• 

  Texas voters to referee school 'culture war'

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas voters are about to get a say over how to teach evolution in public schools or what historical figures to put into new textbooks.

• Gov. Perry touts success of state government over federal in Waco stop

  Waco Tribune-Herald | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Local Republican activists and officials got up early Saturday to see Gov. Rick Perry lambaste all things Washington and laud state government.

• 

  Former AG Gonzales pushes education

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Lubbock's League of United Latin American Citizens picked a heavy hitter to hammer home its message stressing education for young Hispanics.

• 

  Candidates' campaigns are a study in contrasts

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Kinky Friedman and Hank Gilbert, dueling Democratic candidates for agriculture commissioner, appeared in North Texas this week.

• 

  U.S. House District 24 race pits Marchant, Roszell

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With the economy still shaky and a Democratic-led healthcare bill still on the table in Congress, Republican U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant says this is not the time to be changing congressional leadership in District 24.

• 

  Republicans lead in high turnout of early voters in primaries

  Abilene Reporter News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  One week into early voting for the primary election, and one thing is clear: Republicans care about this election.

• 

  GOP's 2012 hopefuls target Obama

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Republicans who may want President Barack Obama’s job flocked to the town they love to hate this weekend and repeatedly ripped into the Democrat, an early tryout of sorts for the GOP nomination.

• 

  Outside money pours into Texas House race in Irving

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The race for Texas House District 105 is drawing a lot of green as Republicans fight to keep Irving red and Democrats try to turn it blue.

• 

  Billy Sandifer: An unlikely hero

  Corpus Christi Caller-Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Billy Sandifer’s grandfather’s eyes watered when a young Billy and his little brother performed a modified version of the Davy Crockett television show theme song. The boys had replaced Crockett’s name with that of their grandfather, a World War I veteran who was raising the boys as his own.

• 

  National parks allow firearms starting today

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gun owners who want to have an extra-heavy pack can carry their firearms in the country’s national parks and wildlife refuges starting today.

• 

  Former Tarrant judge's probation cases questioned for fairness

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  For years, probation-revocation cases involving thousands of defendants moved through the courtroom of one Texas judge with remarkable efficiency.

• 

  EPISD chief to pitch tax hike plan to trade group

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Passage of a higher property tax rate in the El Paso Independent School District could hinge on whether a trade organization buys in to Superintendent Lorenzo Garcia's Plan for Excellence.

• 

  Bail bonds big business, but not all pay up

  Houston Chronicle | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Peter “Pops” Perrault, a tough-talking Yank and ex-merchant mariner, reigns as the highest of high rollers in Harris County's multimillion-dollar bail bond business.

• 

  Regional water group to revisit aquifer forecast

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The controversial task of forecasting groundwater availability in the Edwards-Trinity Aquifer will be revisited Monday by members of Groundwater Management Area 9.

• 

  Is it ‘raining’ hard enough?

  Stateline.org | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Like a married couple arguing about dipping into savings to pay off their credit card bills, some governors and legislatures are fighting over whether it’s “raining” hard enough in their states to drain rainy day funds.

• 

  GOP opponents for Supreme Court Place 9 alike in experience, not finances

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Republican primary voters will decide March 2 whether to keep Eva Guzman, appointed to the Texas Supreme Court in October, or replace her with challenger Rose Vela, a Corpus Christi appeals court judge.

• 

  For Texas school superintendents, frequent turnover becomes part of the job

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Observers say that frequent turnover is inevitable. An urban superintendent must manage staff, work effectively with the school board and boost educational standards and accountability.

• 

  Advocates envision Texas as solar power leader

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The sun could rival the wind as a clean power source in Texas' near future, if the state gets serious about tapping the potential of pollution-free solar energy.

• 

  Inside Texas Politics

  WFAA-TV | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With the primary campaign in the stretch, a special edition of "Inside Texas Politics" goes in-depth one last time with the candidates for the Republican nomination for governor.

• Gov. Rick Perry makes a stop in Montgomery County

  Conroe Courier | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry told Montgomery County supporters Sunday that “there is a land of opportunity in America and it’s called Texas.”

• 

  Conservatives cheer Medina's message in Fort Worth

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Marvin Bahnman doesn't like where the country is headed.

• 

  How do you stay an outsider once you're in?

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  State Sen.Dan Patrick, called a GOP party crasher when elected on an anti-tax wave, is getting shots from the anti-establishment crowd as he surfs closer to a possible statewide race.

• 

  Hutchison makes campaign stop in McAllen

  McAllen Monitor | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Republican gubernatorial hopeful Kay Bailey Hutchison made a brief campaign stop in this city Saturday afternoon, touting plans to create a better education system and calling for fewer taxes in Texas.

• 

  Gov. Rick Perry skips National Governors Association, as usual; sticks to campaign as other govs dine fancy at White House

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Tonight, most of the nation's governors were at the White House for a black-tie Governors' Ball in the State Dining Room, where crooner Harry Connick Jr. provided the entertainment. Texas Gov. Rick Perry was not among them.

• Early voting numbers up from last year

  Palestine Herald-Press | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Total votes cast during the first four days of early voting during this year’s primary elections are slightly ahead when compared to the same period four years ago.

• 

  Jones mailer featuring Duncan draws fire from challenger Brady

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sen. Robert Duncan is a longtime friend of Rep. Delwin Jones for a good number of reasons, but mainly because the two Lubbock Republicans have served together in the Texas Legislature for 17 years.

• 

  PoliTex: Hutchison looking for a Hail Mary?

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison looked to old friend Roger Staubach last week for inspiration in her bid for governor.

• 

  Skipping census costs Travis, residents told

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  At a January gathering of Austin and Travis County residents working to get an accurate and complete census count on April 1, one figure leaped out: $235,980,000. That's the amount of federal money city and county officials say was left on the table as the result of a 2000 census undercount of about 16,000 county residents. Although the figure had been reported before, it was stop-in-your-tracks news to many of the volunteers.

• 

  Despite attack, Perry still no to Capitol detectors

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Two days after a plane was slammed into an Austin office building in an apparent attack, Gov. Rick Perry said this afternoon he still does not favor installing metal detectors at the Texas Capitol.

• 

  GOP rivals for Texas governor vie for votes

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  By bus, car and plane, three Republican candidates travel a parallel universe, cutting swaths through the state, on the path – each hopes – to becoming the next Texas governor.

• 

  By plane, by motor home, by car, GOP gubernatorial candidates take their message to villages, cities, suburbs

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  When Kay Bailey Hutchison arrives at a parking lot near her Dallas campaign headquarters at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, a 42-foot brown-and-gold motor home with huge "Kay for Governor" signs sits idling. She steps out of a gray Cadillac, a white scarf guarding against the morning chill.

• 

  El Paso is microcosm of what's vital to US

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Mr. President: Come to El Paso, Texas. Everything that is important to you and Mrs. Obama, and to the nation, is relevant and critical to El Paso.

• 

  Political web: Candidates connect to voters through Facebook, Twitter

  El Paso Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  To win on election day, candidates are after "fans," "friends" and "followers."

• 

  Video: A day in the life of a Republican candidate

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina make political stops across Texas.

• Valley groups to push Hutchison and Cornyn on immigration reform

  Rio Grande Guardian | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Rio Grande Valley community groups are to mount a postcard campaign to try to persuade U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn to back comprehensive immigration reform.

• 

  U.S. House District 24 race pits Marchant, Roszell

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With the economy still shaky and a Democratic-led healthcare bill still on the table in Congress, Republican U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant says this is not the time to be changing congressional leadership in District 24.

• 

  Perry, Hutchison take fight on Texas campaign trail

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In a run-up to their last full week of campaigning before the March 2 primary, the Republican contenders for governor crisscrossed parts of the state Saturday insisting that Texas can be greater if they are elected.

• 

  Repubicans fuel strong early voting turnout

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A tough fight at the top of the Republican ticket has helped push strong early voting turnout in this month's primary election.

• 

  Bill White refers to GOP rivals for governor as 'forces of darkness'

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former Houston Mayor Bill White on Saturday called on Dallas County Democrats to rally around his candidacy for Texas governor in order to stop the Republican "forces of darkness."

• 

  Career-oriented courses at Texas schools get with the times

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Movies are in 3-D, accountants who track fraud are in demand and farmers use computers to measure moisture in the soil. While the times have changed, high school career classes were much the same, sometimes emphasizing outdated skills.

• 

  Calls still urge voters to support disgraced Rep. Terri Hodge's defunct campaign

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Residents of Texas House District 100 have received automated telephone calls this week urging them to vote for disgraced state Rep. Terri Hodge.

• 

  Candidates' campaigns are a study in contrasts

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Kinky Friedman and Hank Gilbert, dueling Democratic candidates for agriculture commissioner, appeared in North Texas this week.

• 

  Kay Bailey Hutchison Lags Rick Perry in Polls in Texas Governor's Race

  New York Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Just a year ago, many Republican leaders considered Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison to be the odds-on favorite to become the next governor of Texas. A popular lawmaker from the old-guard Republican establishment, she was seen as someone who could widen the party’s appeal after the setbacks it suffered during the 2008 national election.

• 

  Even stimulus plan's opponents sought funds for Texas

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With critics calling the year-old stimulus package a colossal waste of money, Democrats have fought back this week by leveling charges of hypocrisy. Not one Republican voted for the $787 billion plan, but many have devoted time and energy over the last year trying to wangle stimulus funds for the folks back home.

• 

  Polls: Hutchison better match for White, Perry favored for primary win

  Midland Reporter-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With just a week of early voting remaining, Republicans are continuing to choose not just which gubernatorial candidate they want in the general election, but in some cases, who they think will better match up against likely Democratic nominee Bill White.

• 

  Texas voters to referee school 'culture war'

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas voters are about to get a say over how to teach evolution in public schools or what historical figures to put into new textbooks.

• 

  Judge Strange running hard for Supreme Court vacancy

  Midland Reporter-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  There is always "next year" in the world of sports, but in politics the current year may be the last chance you get for a long, long while.

• 

  Chavez-Thompson is best Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  By legislative lore and legend, lieutenant governor is the most influential $600-a-month job in Texas state government, perhaps in any state government.

• 

  Boos as Ron Paul wins CPAC straw poll

  Politico | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Rep. Ron Paul, the libertarian-leaning Texas Republican who ran a quixotic bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, was the top vote-getter in the Conservative Political Action Conference’s straw poll, capturing the support of 31 percent of those who participated in the contest.

• MALDEF: We have not given up on Governor Perry

  Rio Grande Guardian | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund has not given up hope of Gov. Rick Perry setting up a statewide Complete Count Committee to ensure maximum participation in the 2010 Census.

• 

  Rep. Ron Paul wins CPAC straw poll

  The Hill | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) won a key straw poll Saturday of conservatives' preference of whom they would most like to see run for president in 2012.

• 

  Poll: 63 percent support relationship recognition

  Dallas Voice | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texans who attend church more than once a week are three times as likely to oppose relationship recognition for same-sex couples as those who don’t attend church at all.

• 

  GOP rivals for State House District 65 tangle over budget, immigration issues at forum

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Budget-balancing and immigration issues are fueling the campaign in State House District 65, where longtime incumbent Burt Solomons faces a challenge from former congressional candidate Mike Murphy.

• 

  Democratic hopefuls for Texas land commissioner discuss issues

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Democratic candidates for commissioner of the General Land Office agree that the Christmas Mountains should not go back on the sales block.

• 

  Tea Party 'Revolution' Targets Ron Paul in GOP Primary

  Fox News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Texas congressman who rattled the GOP establishment with his libertarian-leaning outsider run for president has suddenly found himself the target of the anti-incumbent Tea Party movement some credit him with helping inspire.

• 

  Republicans look to gain traction with Hispanic voters

  Washington Post | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Henry Bonilla, a Texas Republican whose district ran along the Mexican border, won seven straight elections to the House by relying on retail politics in Hispanic communities where GOP candidates had rarely bothered to tread.

• 

  Ag official: Area to be top tourist destination

  Killeen Daily Herald | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples has a plan to "send out the welcome mat" from Central Texas to the rest of the world.

• 

  Two experienced jurists with similar résumés vie for a Supreme Court seat

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  At first glance, the résumés of the two candidates in the Republican primary for Place 9 on the Texas Supreme Court are almost indistinguishable.

• 

  Governor candidates go head to head: What will the outcomb be?

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  What can you say about a governor whose hair has its own Twitter account?

• White promotes training

  Marshall News Messenger | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Over cornbread and beans, Harrison County Democrats heard from local and state-wide candidates as they rallied to get out the vote at the Marshall Convention Center Thursday.

• 

  Tea Party Is Steeped in Political Newcomers

  Wall Street Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The "tea-party" movement brewing in the 2010 elections is being driven in part by a potent force: first-time activists.

• 

  Conservatives Get a New Look at Pawlenty and Romney

  New York Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  For all the talk of Sarah Palin these days, there are two Republicans who are already laying the groundwork to run for president in 2012 — Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts.

• 

  Juarez massacre may mark a turning for Mexico

  Los Angeles Times | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The January killing of 15 young people has created a furor and left some wondering whether it's a tipping point, a moment when Mexicans overcame their fear and fatalism to confront the violence.

• 

  GOP speakers court key group at conservative conference

  Washington Post | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The second day of the Conservative Political Action Conference turned into a call to arms Friday as aspiring national leaders and other favorites of the movement's grass roots warned that President Obama and his party have ushered in an era of American decline.

• 

  Perry says he intends to win primary outright

  Associated Press | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry said Friday he intends to win the Republican nomination for governor outright, but if he is forced into a runoff with U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison after the March 2 primary, "it's not the end of the world."

• 

  50 things you need to know about Kay Bailey Hutchison

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  1. Kay Bailey Hutchison is known for her consensus-seeking way in the Senate and her ability to get favors and funding for Texas.

• 

  50 things you need to know about Debra Medina

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  1. Debra Medina is a staunch supporter of gun rights and keeps a Springfield 9 mm gun in a case in her car.

• 

  50 things you need to know about Rick Perry

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  1. Rick Perry considers Sam Houston the greatest leader in American history.

• 

  50 things you need to know about Bill White

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  1. Bill White earned national praise for his swift action as Houston’s mayor after Hurricane Katrina, when he welcomed more than 250,000 evacuees into the city.

• 

  50 things you need to know about Farouk Shami

  Dallas Morning News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  1. Farouk Shami arrived in the U.S. from Palestine in 1965 with $71 in his pocket.

• 

  In Texas House District 99, a rare, positive primary

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In previous election years, state Rep. Charlie Geren's campaign used words like liar and carpetbagger to describe his primary opponents.

• 

  Past voting takes lead in House race

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Lubbock accountant Charles Perry is in a heated race in the Republican primary for House District 83 and opponent Zach Brady has turned up the heat about Perry's voting record.

• 

  Local support grows for nullification of federal laws

  Austin American-Statesman | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The stale old campaign issues education, toughness on crime, taxes have lulled countless voters into inaction for years. But sometimes an issue comes along that energizes a portion of the voting public. This is one of those times.

• 

  Bexar probate judge sues agency over right to free speech

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Bexar County Probate Judge Tom Rickhoff has taken the unusual step of suing the state agency that investigates allegations of judicial wrongdoing, claiming a probe it launched over the way he is handling his re-election campaign is thwarting his right to free speech.

• 

  Speaker tells of Obama’s goals for Hispanics

  San Antonio Express-News | 6 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A White House official with ties to San Antonio told a group of local educators Friday that President Barack Obama considers education a top priority and has backed that stance with unprecedented funding for schools.

• 

  What to Watch for in Texas

  Congressional Quarterly | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Republicans are in the final stage of a primary election widely billed as a Texas-sized “battle of the titans.”

• 

  With state wanting cuts, D-FW school districts begrudgingly start crunching the numbers

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Local school officials are worried that proposed state budget cuts will put them in an unwanted game of musical chairs, trying to shuffle funds from one spot to another to keep programs alive.

• 

  Dick Armey To GOP: Be 'Courageous,' Consider Social Security And Medicare Cuts (VIDEO)

  Talking Points Memo | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Former Republican Majority Leader Dick Armey said in an interview that Republicans would be wise to talk straight about making cuts to Social Security and Medicare if they really want to cut the deficit.

• 

  Dallas-Fort Worth conservative groups reach a fork in the road

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Tea Party and 912 Project leaders have come to a crossroads. Eleven days before party primaries, they must decide whether to march in lockstep for candidates -- or maintain the impartiality they claim.

• Delasandro seeks GOP nomination in District 17 Congressional race

  Waco Tribune-Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Republican congressional candidate Timothy Delasandro’s signs and campaign T-shirts are black and white, a color scheme that hints at his clear-cut political philosophy.

• 

  Targetting smugglers: US-Mexico program may soon start in El Paso

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A pilot program in which U.S. Border Patrol agents work in Mexico and Mexican federal police work in the U.S. and share intelligence to catch drug and human smugglers may soon start in El Paso.

• 

  Border research: Group officials may provide money for El Paso

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Officials of the National Institutes of Health came to the border to learn about the unusual research that's taking place.

• 

  Houston's smog fears may choke Matagorda-area power plant

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A proposed coal-fired power plant in mostly rural Matagorda County, 90 miles from the traffic-choked freeways and smokestacks of Houston, has moved to the center of the debate over the big city's air.

• 

  GOP rivals for State House District 65 tangle over budget, immigration issues at forum

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Budget-balancing and immigration issues are fueling the campaign in State House District 65, where longtime incumbent Burt Solomons faces a challenge from former congressional candidate Mike Murphy.

• 

  Budget mess got going with 2006 property tax cuts

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A picture of how the state could look after a budget shortfall hits next year is starting to emerge.

• 

  4 seeking Republican nod for state House seat

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  For 16 years, District 52 was in Republican hands. Four Republican candidates hope to return the House district in southeastern Williamson County back to the fold, after Democrat Diana Maldonado won the seat two years ago, amid a national Democratic tide.

• 

  Hutchison makes stop in Seguin

  Seguin Gazette-Enterprise | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With the March 2 Republican gubernatorial primary falling on Texas Independence Day, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison continued her campaign asking Texans to declare their independence from a governor that she says refuses to clean up Austin and put the state first.

• Eltife promotes smart spending

  Marshall News Messenger | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  State Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, spoke Wednesday afternoon to members of the Harrison County Manufacturers Council about stimulus spending, state budgets and other Texas issues.

• 

  Texas Hold 'em, Tea Party Style

  The Nation | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texans, as everybody knows, relish nothing more than a big, bloody showdown.

• 

  White taps legal, business ties in bid for gov

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  n the 30 years he's been raking in money as a lawyer and businessman, Bill White has also been assembling a cadre of rich, loyal and influential friends. Now their cash and support are giving him and the Democrats their best shot at winning the Texas governor's office since the days of Ann Richards in the early 1990s.

• Learning to Manage the Fringe

  Washington Independent | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The annual Conservative Political Action Conference kicks off in Washington today, and one would-be conservative star — Debra Medina — won’t be missed.

• 

  Politics in Texas: The survivor

  The Economist | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  ON FEBRUARY 15th several hundred conservative activists gathered in Plano, a suburb of Dallas, for a town-hall meeting. It was the sort of crowd where people discuss how to make their own ammunition because bullets are so expensive. In a side room Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, chatted to The Economist as he got ready to make his speech.

• 

  Fanatic Tax Haters Set Up A Joseph Andrew Stack Fan Club On Facebook

  Business Insider | 7 months ago | suggested by Elise Hu

  Just a few hours after Joseph Andrew Stack killed himself in an attack on an Austin building that housed local IRS office someone went and set up a fan club for him on Facebook. It already has 124 members.

• Democratic county judge candidate also communist with a small “c”

  The Big Bend Sentinel | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  Barrel-chested, bespectacled, and with a thick white mustache, Lorette is running for public office again. The former 1982 Citizen’s Party candidate for Texas U.S. Senate is on the ballot for Presidio County Judge.

• 

  Water district has right to sue Oklahoma, attorney general says

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Tarrant Regional Water District's three-year legal battle with the state of Oklahoma took a new turn Wednesday as Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott waded into the water fight by filing a brief in support of the district.

• 

  Republican of the People

  Texas Observer | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  On a Saturday afternoon in Burleson, even the hottest politician in Texas has trouble scoring a table at Babe’s, a popular fried-chicken joint.

• John Carona, the Last Republican

  D Magazine | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  John Carona still has the bulk and rolling shoulders that he once used to plow through a defensive line for Bryan Adams High School. For a hefty man, he moves quickly, always on the go. But there are times when Carona stands still, and at those times he is like a wall.

• 

  Who owns groundwater in the aquifer?

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The ownership and control of groundwater pumping rights in Texas is now in the hands of the state Supreme Court.

• 

  Friedman calls for ‘power to the people' in bid for ag commissioner

  Brownsville Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In his two previous bids for the Texas governorship, Hill County musician and humorist Kinky Friedman has faced criticism that he’s nothing but a showboat, a seeker of the limelight with no real chance of winning, or a novelty candidate not to be taken seriously.

• 

  Dick Armey, at CPAC, calls Obama a self-righteous ideologue

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Dick Armey, the former House majority leader and Republican congressman from suburban Dallas - and moving force in the Tea Party movement - issued a scathing critique this morning of President Barack Obama.

• 

  Texas Tech readies for budget cuts

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Faculty travel, equipment upgrades and new employee hiring all sit atop the list of possible cuts to the Texas Tech system's budget if the state follows through with projected funding reductions.

• Dewhurst warns of growing doctor, nurse shortage

  Longview News-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Shortages of nurses and doctors in Texas must be corrected for a state population expected to double by 2035, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Tuesday.

• 

  Democrats who challenge Republican lieutenant governor mostly agree

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The prospect of challenging the wealthy, well-financed Republican incumbent who has held the state's No. 2 post since 2003 has not deterred three Democrats from seeking their party's nomination for lieutenant governor.

• 

  Voters get chance to double the pleasure

  The Facts (Brazoria County) | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  For those who enjoy observing the political process, as well as faithfully discharging their civic duties, the next few months will be something to savor.

• 

  NRG, Utility End Nuclear-Plant Dispute

  Wall Street Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A nuclear-power venture owned by NRG Energy Inc., Toshiba Corp. and a Texas utility resolved a legal dispute Wednesday that would allow one of the first U.S. nuclear-power projects in decades to proceed.

• 

  States' pension plan funds fell $1 trillion short in 2008

  USA Today | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  States underfunded their pension plans and retiree health benefits by $1 trillion in 2008, a new report says.

• 

  State Board of Education's Cultural Warriors in Trouble

  Dallas Observer | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Could it really be that the young Earthers, the intelligent designers and assorted Christian right-wing whackjobs who have made the Texas State Board of Education such a reliable source of amusement could be facing...extinction?

• 

  GOP voters weigh issues: Proposition results may guide lawmakers

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Should women be shown a sonogram before they undergo abortions?

• 

  A Matter of Principle: Why Conservatives Should Oppose the Death Penalty

  Texas Observer | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The State of Texas executed Charlie Brooks for the crime of murder on Dec. 7, 1982. The method used in Huntsville that day was the first ever of its kind: a lethal injection. Brooks' execution was also the first in Texas following the reinstatement of the death penalty by the Supreme Court in 1976, breaking a 16-year hiatus.

• 

  Discipline sought against Keller

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge Sharon Keller should suffer consequences for her conduct in a death row inmate's failed effort to file a last-minute appeal, special prosecutors in the case against her contended Wednesday.

• 

  Farouk Shami's professional campaign staff quits

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Businessmen Clayton Williams and Tony Sanchez bought instant credibility in their runs for governor through large investments of their personal fortunes, but hair-care millionaire Farouk Shami isn't finding it so easy.

• 

  Bataille tells employees that resignation as president was in UNT's best interest

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gretchen Bataille said today that her health is fine and she doesn't have another job lined up, but she still could not say why she resigned suddenly as University of North Texas president last week.

• 

  Bexar ranks low in urban health report

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A new report comparing the health and well-being of Texas counties ranks Bexar 78th in the overall health of its residents — the lowest among major urban counties.

• 

  Calderón to revise strategy against crime in return visit to Juárez

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Mexico's President Felipe Calderón visits Juárez today as he revises the strategy to fight organized crime in the country's deadliest city.

• 

  City Council: Utility board's meetings to be open

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The City Council on Tuesday ordered the Public Utilities Regulation Board to hold open deliberations on gas and electric rates.

• 

  Voting for higher voter turnout

  Corpus Christi Caller-Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  So I drove to early voting, and when I got there the line was so long?

• 

  Dallas Fort Worth traffic: No federal funding for Fort Worth streetcars?

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The proposal to bring back streetcars to central Fort Worth may have been snubbed in its effort to win federal stimulus funds, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said.

• 

  Scalia: States have "no right to secede"

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Think Texas can secede from the union?

• 

  Study says climate law could cost Texas lots of jobs

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Proposed U.S. climate change laws could cut Texas' manufacturing output by more than 5 percent and increase electric prices by as much as 52 percent by 2030, according to a study to be unveiled today by a conservative Texas think tank.

• 

  Council urged to pass renewable energy plan

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Austin City Council should swiftly adopt a plan to significantly increase the amount of renewable energy the city uses and decrease the use of traditional sources, such as coal, by 2020, a coalition of environmental activists, nonprofits and businesses said at a Wednesday news conference.

• 

  Similar on issues, House candidates stress their connection to district

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Say you're one of the three Republicans fighting to represent southwestern Travis County in the Texas House.

• 

  Lawmakers to launch bipartisan effort to rewrite No Child Left Behind

  Washington Post | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Senior House Republicans and Democrats plan to announce Thursday that they will team up to rewrite the No Child Left Behind education law, a rare show of bipartisanship in the polarized Congress.

• 

  EP health in top 25% of Texas counties

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  El Pasoans need better access to healthful foods and diabetic screenings, a report on healthy counties released Wednesday says.

• 

  Strike 2 for Shami on campaign teams

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Democratic gubernatorial hopeful and hair-care magnate Farouk Shami, as Rodney Dangerfield used to say, can't get no respect.

• 

  UNT chancellor refuses to say why president resigned

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  University of North Texas students and faculty members voiced frustrations Wednesday after meeting with UNT System Chancellor Lee Jackson and other officials, who would not answer questions about why President Gretchen Bataille resigned suddenly last week.

• 

  Collin County is healthiest county in the region; Tarrant is 37th in Texas

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  If you want to live in the healthiest county in the region, head north. Collin County ranks No. 2 in Texas for overall health, followed by Denton at No. 3.

• 

  Perry tells Congress that Texas relies on Toyota

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry urged the ranking GOP member of a House committee set to grill Toyota executives next week over a spate of recent safety recalls to consider the integral role the Japanese automaker plays in the Texas economy.

• 

  Dems challenging GOP lieutenant governor mostly agree

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

• 

  Effort to remove judge resumes

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Seeking to revive their case against Judge Sharon Keller, prosecutors argued Wednesday that Keller deserves to be reprimanded or removed from office for refusing to accept a late execution-day appeal in 2007.

• 

  Alex Jones Is About To Explode

  Texas Monthly | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Austin radio host’s wild conspiracy theories—The swine flu vaccine will lead to martial law! 9/11 was an inside job! An evil global network is preparing to institute a New World Order!—have already earned him dedicated fans across the country. But as the tea parties and Obama hatred go mainstream, he may be ready to give Glenn Beck a run for his money.

• 

  For Rick Perry, no (term) limits?

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry voted Wednesday in the GOP primary. What do you think, governor, would three full terms be enough?

• 

  Keller deserves punishment, prosecutors argue

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Seeking to revive their case against Judge Sharon Keller, prosecutors argued Wednesday that Keller deserves to be reprimanded or removed from office for refusing to accept a late execution-day appeal in 2007.

• 

  Shami campaign aides call it quits

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Houston businessman Farouk Shami has lost his professional campaign staff in a dispute over who is running the show.

• 

  Farouk Shami campaign staffers resign

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami's campaign hit a snag today when five of his campaign staffers quit.

• 

  At the Gate

  FW Weekly | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Steve and Marie Davis of Tyler decided to spend a romantic Valentine's weekend in the Metroplex this year, a little spur-of-the-moment getaway. On Saturday night they hit Billy Bob's for the Delbert McClinton show, not so much because they were big fans of the Fort Worth blues master as that they had never been to the famed honkytonk.

• 

  Experience is key issue in GOP race

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Republican Party experience is the main thing that separates former state Rep. Bill Zedler from challenger Joy Keller in the House District 96 Republican primary, but the former Mansfield school board president said she doesn't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

• 

  Two Republicans chase the Texas House District 33 nomination

  Corpus Christi Caller-Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Two Republicans hope to be the nominee that takes on Democratic state Rep. Solomon Ortiz Jr. in November.

• 

  UTEP told to trim $8M from budget

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The University of Texas at El Paso plans to cut more than $8 million from its budget after state officials requested a state-wide reduction because of the economy, administrators said Tuesday.

• 

  Texas sues to escape carbon dioxide limits

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas Republican leaders Tuesday ramped up their fight against federal environmental efforts by filing suit to avoid facing limits on carbon dioxide emissions.

• 

  Study says S.A. crime rose little after Katrina evacuees arrived

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The arrival of Hurricane Katrina evacuees in September 2005 left a festering question in the minds of many San Antonio residents, policymakers and police officers: Did the new arrivals bring an influx of crime with them?

• 

  Clements throws support to Perry despite sponsoring a Hutchison fundraiser

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former Gov. Bill Clements is backing Gov. Rick Perry in the Republican primary, even though he sponsored a fundraiser for Kay Bailey Hutchison last year.

• 

  New Baylor president Kenneth Starr eager to move beyond past as Clinton prosecutor

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Baylor University's new president, Kenneth Starr, said Tuesday that he is excited to promote the world's largest Baptist university and pleased that his time as an independent prosecutor investigating the Clinton White House is long past.

• 

  Staubach refuses to admit Hail Mary was illegal, praises Hutchison

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Last night in Fort Worth I asked Roger Staubach to concede that Drew Pearson pushed down Minnesota Vikings cornerback Nate Wright to catch the "Hail Mary" pass that gave the Dallas Cowboys a victory in the 1975 playoffs.

• 

  Perry, other Texas leaders sue EPA over finding on greenhouse gases

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Escalating an attack on the Obama administration's environmental policies, Gov. Rick Perry and other state officials filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging the EPA's 2-month-old finding that greenhouse gases significantly endanger public health.

• 

  Medicaid pay could drop to meet budget demands

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas doctors, dentists and hospitals could find their Medicaid fees reduced by 1 percent if a budget reduction plan forwarded by the state Health and Human Services Commission is adopted.

• 

  Deep human services cuts make no economic sense

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  At the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's public hearing last week, it was standing room only as the draft plan to cut 5 percent of the agency's budget was presented.

• 

  Prison officials seek pardon on spending cuts

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas' prison system is asking state leaders to exempt it from most of a proposed 5 percent spending cut, warning that reductions could hurt prison security and make it more likely offenders would relapse into crime.

• 

  White, Hutchison cast early votes in gov's race

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gubernatorial candidates Bill White and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison cast their ballots Tuesday on the first day of early voting for the March 2 primary.

• 

  Dewhurst pet anti-steroid initiative could get ax

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The $135 million budget cut proposal from the Texas Education Agency includes one item that will probably not please Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

• 

  Mixed messages from Shami campaign

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami and his own campaign staff released conflicting information Tuesday about who is allowed to speak on behalf of the campaign, signaling further turmoil inside a campaign that has already had its troubles.

• 

  10-semester limit proposed for UT degree

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Students at the University of Texas would be required to complete their bachelor's degrees in 10 semesters, or five years, under a recommendation announced Tuesday by a task force on enrollment.

• 

  Poll: Large majority opposes Supreme Court's decision on campaign financing

  Washington Post | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Americans of both parties overwhelmingly oppose a Supreme Court ruling that allows corporations and unions to spend as much as they want on political campaigns, and most favor new limits on such spending, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

• 

  Agency budget cuts small in face of Texas' gaping shortfall

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  State agencies offered up potential budget cuts of 5 percent Tuesday, fulfilling a request from state leaders as Texas grapples with a shortfall that could reach $15 billion or more.

• 

  Texas Education Agency proposes $135.5 million in cutbacks to help with budget shortfall

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Texas Education Agency is proposing $135.5 million in cuts -- including science lab grants and funding for steroid testing -- as part of the state's across-the-board plan to reduce spending.

• 

  Texas public colleges plan for hiring and pay freezes and cuts in courses, travel expenses

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas public colleges and universities say they will need to cut courses, reduce travel expenses and enact hiring and pay freezes to meet a state request for budget reductions.

• 

  Lessons in love attract plenty of interest at UNT

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Brian Thevenot

  College students – some of whom specialize in beer bongs, late-night parties or casual hook-ups – are taking a scholarly approach to personality, friendship, attraction, dating and marriage.

• 

  Texas challenges EPA's findings

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas on Tuesday became the first state to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency's finding that gases blamed for global warming threaten public health.

• 

  Short Cuts: Episode IV: Debra Medina

  Texas Monthly | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  All about Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina, in under two minutes.

• 

  Early voting GOP turnout high

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A competitive Republican gubernatorial race and mild winter weather helped drive brisk local turnout Tuesday on the first day of primary election early voting.

• 

  Texas tries to stop same-sex divorce

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Attorney General Greg Abbott is trying to halt a San Antonio woman's divorce from her same-sex spouse on grounds their Massachusetts marriage is not recognized in Texas.

• 

  Eleven district court seats contested

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  When Democrat Andy Mireles, who occupied the 73rd District Court bench for two decades, died suddenly in December, it seemed undisputed it would be difficult to replace him.

• 

  Posthumous pardon requested for Texas DNA exoneree Tim Cole

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

• 

  Texas challenging EPA report on greenhouse gas dangers

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry and other top Texas officials on Tuesday announced a legal challenge to the federal government's finding that greenhouse gases are dangerous to people, claiming the ruling was based on flawed science.

• 

  Texas Power Is Blowing in the Wind

  Bond Buyer | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  One of the largest public-private partnerships in Texas involves transmission of electricity produced by wind.

• 

  Texas sues EPA over anti-pollution plan

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The State of Texas ratcheted up its attack on the Obama administration's environmental policies on Tuesday, filing suit against the EPA over a declaration that could broaden government enforcement of carbon dioxide emissions.

• 

  Endorsement duel in Texas

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison are trotting out rival endorsements as their gubernatorial primary race reaches its final stages.

• 

  Animal ID system halted after $142M

  Abilene Reporter News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The National Animal Identification System, first proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2004, has been abandoned after costing $142 million to develop.

• 

  Tech sets spring enrollment mark

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas Tech has set another enrollment mark with 28,014 students this spring semester, possibly just in time to help the university lasso increasingly elusive state funding.

• 

  State employee health care spared from cuts

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  State employees can breathe a little easier knowing that their health care plan is not being targeted for additional budget cuts.

• 

  DPS cuts: Drop 41 new border vehicles, OT

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Local law enforcement agencies engaged in border security operations would see their overtime budget cut by almost half, and 41 fewer patrol vehicles would be purchased in coming months under a budget-reduction plan to save $14.6 million unveiled today.

• 

  Prison cuts: 3,000 jobs, meds, programs to get axe

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Nearly 3,100 jobs of prison guards, parole officers and other officials would be eliminated, privately run prisons would be closed, highly touted treatment and rehabilitation programs would be cut and medical care would be significantly reduced under a proposed 5-percent budget reduction plan unveiled today.

• 

  Internal Shami email gets an external viewing

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Reeve Hamilton

  Looks like someone at the Farouk Shami campaign has suffered an email malfunction.

• 2 Republicans seeking education board seat

  Bryan-College Station Eagle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A 12-year State Board of Education incumbent from Bryan is being challenged in the primary election by a political newcomer for the District 9 seat.

• 

  Sacrificing Seniority

  Austin Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Elise Hu

  No-one wants to be the new kid, not even if you're an elected official. When it comes to authority in the Texas Legislature, being a member of the majority party counts for a lot, but tenure can count for more. So it seems odd that the Republican caucus could lose a lot of valuable seniority if their primary season sees a lot of upsets.

• 

  'Perverse incentive' in current health care system, says expert

  CNN | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Even as the health care debate turns to blood sport in Washington, some analysts say the debate is ignoring one of the leading causes of rising costs: the way health care providers are paid.

• 

  Texas, Pelosi and the doctor bills

  CNN | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A picture tells a thousand words: Taken in 2007, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is cutting the ribbon at the brand new Women's Hospital at Renaissance outside McAllen, Texas.

• 

  Texas Deathmatch

  The Weekly Standard | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas governor Rick Perry and Sarah Palin are friends from her years as governor of Alaska. In April 2008, a very pregnant Palin joined Perry and other Republican governors in Dallas at a conference on energy. While addressing the group, Palin suddenly turned to Perry and asked him to take the microphone. She had gone into labor. Palin rushed to the airport and flew back to Alaska, where her son Trig was born.

• 

  State agencies list possible cuts

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Texas Department of Transportation said Monday it could cut more than $20 million, or 20 times the amount state leaders asked it to identify in possible trims as a budget shortfall looms.

• Splitting the GOP race: Margo v. Kleberg

  El Paso Inc. | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The last time two well-known El Paso Republicans competed for the one Texas House seat the party has been able to win, it was a brutal affair.

• 

  Raul Torres endorsed for House Dist. 33

  Corpus Christi Caller-Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Two men are vying for the Republican nomination to challenge Rep. Solomon Ortiz Jr. for his seat representing Texas House District 33. But only one seems to be serious.

• 

  Texas Speaker of the House endorses Jones

  KCBD-TV | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives made a Hub City stop to stump for a longtime representative.

• 

  Perry announces $1.7 million border-security grant

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The 16 district attorneys along the Texas-Mexico border soon will be able to draw on prosecutors and investigators from a newly created Border Prosecution Unit to help fight the flow of drugs and transnational gang activity, Gov. Rick Perry announced here Monday.

• 

  Early voting begins Tuesday as candidates blaze the campaign trail

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Hoping to fire up supporters as early voting in the gubernatorial race begins today, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison kicked off a "Declare Your Independence" tour Monday, encouraging Texas voters to declare their independence from Republican Gov. Rick Perry.

• 

  Jones has contributed to colleagues

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas House Speaker Joe Straus visited Lubbock on Monday to endorse his colleague Delwin Jones, one of his biggest allies in the 150-member chamber.

• 

  Hutchison, Perry hone messages for final stretch

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is unveiling a two-week finishing kick to her gubernatorial primary campaign that she's dubbing the "Declare Your Independence" tour.

• 

  On the campaign trail, a blizzard of foolishness

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Some of the candidates for governor are a few snowballs shy of a shovel load.

• 

  Candidates for West Plano seat in Texas House digging deep into their own pockets for campaign funds

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Contenders for West Plano's seat in the Texas House of Representatives are pouring lots of their own money into the fight.

• 

  Redistricting future unclear for West Texas

  Amarillo Globe-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas is expected to gain at least three congressional districts next year, but it won't benefit the Panhandle/South Plains.

• 

  In Texas, 'tea party' candidate may shake up governor's race

  Los Angeles Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Debra Medina isn't calling for Texas to secede from the union. She thinks the state should simply ignore federal laws that Texans can't abide.

• 

  Mission to save NASA is uphill battle for lawmaker

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  President Barack Obama's plan to cancel NASA's cherished back-to-the-moon Constellation program puts freshman Texas Congressman Pete Olson in a tough spot.

• 

  DallasNews.com Hutchison refers to Hail Mary during campaign stop

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Republican gubernatorial hopeful Kay Bailey Hutchison jokingly referred to a Hail Mary during a campaign stop on the eve of early voting.

• 

  Tea Party Movement Lights Fuse for Rebellion on Right

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Pam Stout has not always lived in fear of her government. She remembers her years working in federal housing programs, watching government lift struggling families with job training and education. She beams at the memory of helping a Vietnamese woman get into junior college.

• 

  Texas budget-cutting efforts take shape

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Texas Department of Transportation said Monday it could cut $20 million, more than 20 times the amount it was asked to identify as possible trims in the face of a looming state budget shortfall.

• 

  Texas GOP ballot includes 5 nonbinding resolutions

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas Republican voters will have a chance to give their opinions on such issues as voter identification and federal stimulus spending through five nonbinding resolutions that will appear on the GOP primary ballot.

• 

  More Power in the Statehouse?

  Stateline.org | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Nine members hope to leave Washington and take over one of the 37 governorships up for grabs—a larger number than in many recent election years. And seven of the nine are Republicans.

• 

  Texas agencies, universities propose cuts to deal with projected $10 billion budget gap

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Under orders from Texas' top three leaders, state agencies and universities are identifying hundreds of millions of dollars in potential spending cuts to help ease a projected budget shortfall next year.

• 

  U.S. House candidate Steve Clark acknowledges 1986 arrest, denies hitting ex-wife

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Congressional candidate Steve Clark acknowledged Monday that he was arrested in 1986 on charges of assaulting his ex-wife, despite previously telling The Dallas Morning News that he had never been arrested.

• 

  Missions differ for Texas governor hopefuls in dash to primary

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  With early voting set to start today, the main contenders for governor go into the final two-week sprint on decidedly different missions.

• 

  Crowded Democratic field in State Board of Education race

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  In 2006, Central Texas Democrats gave a free pass to Ken Mercer, the victor in a local State Board of Education Republican primary, when they ran no one in November.

• 

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White visits El Paso

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White, right, spoke to about 35 supporters and others during a Presidents' Day breakfast at his campaign headquarters, 2727 Wyoming.

• 

  Study: Katrina crime wave nonexistent

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A huge crime wave blamed on thousands of Katrina evacuees in Houston and other Southwest cities never happened, say criminologists who warned public officials and the media to be careful in attributing crime to the former New Orleans residents.

• 

  Gay divorce case draws attorney general's attention

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has intervened in a first-of-its-kind Travis County same-sex divorce case, arguing that the women involved, who were married in another state, may not be legally granted a divorce because Texas law defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

• 

  Tea Party Movement Lights Fuse for Rebellion on Right

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Tea Party movement has become a platform for conservative populist discontent, a force in Republican politics for revival, as it was in the Massachusetts Senate election, or for division. But it is also about the profound private transformation of people like Mrs. Stout, people who not long ago were not especially interested in politics, yet now say they are bracing for tyranny.

• 

  Is Texas preparing to challenge EPA on greenhouse gases?

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Governor’s office sent out a one-page press release this afternoon about a press conference at the Capitol on Tuesday. It said: “Gov. Rick Perry, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples will make an announcement regarding environmental regulation.”

• 

  Rick Perry to trim his office's budget to 'lead by example'

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry has offered a nearly 7 percent reduction of his office’s budget, mainly through a $20 million cut to his cherished deal-closing fund.

• 

  Hutchison refers to Hail Mary during campaign stop

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Republican gubernatorial hopeful Kay Bailey Hutchison jokingly referred to a Hail Mary during a campaign stop on the eve of early voting.

• 

  UT's plan to soften budget cuts rejected

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A budget-trimming plan to be submitted by the University of Texas System on Tuesday for its 15 campuses will cut a bit deeper than officials had hoped.

• 

  Ex-Clinton prosecutor Kenneth Starr named Baylor president

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Elise Hu

  Kenneth Starr, the former independent prosecutor whose work led to President Bill Clinton's impeachment, has been named president of Baylor University.

• 

  Medina Gaffe Could Help Perry Avoid Run-Off in Texas Governor Race

  Politics Daily | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas Gov. Rick Perry remains comfortably ahead in the three-way race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination but not yet with enough of a lead to avoid a runoff in the March 2 primary, according to a poll for Texas newspapers conducted Feb. 2-10.

• 

  Master Stroke

  Texas Observer | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In 2002 and 2003, a troubled auto-insurance company based in Dallas wrote checks worth more than a quarter of a million dollars to a powerful Republican lobbyist with close ties to Gov. Rick Perry. On the surface, that might not sound especially newsworthy given the incestuous nature of lobbying in Texas.

• Sources: Starr named Baylor University president

  Waco Tribune-Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Kenneth W. Starr, the former independent counsel whose work led to the impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton, was named president of Baylor University this morning, sources said.

• 

  Despite Downturn, Some Newsrooms Persist in Costly Fight for Records

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Last fall Hearst, the big media company that owns newspapers, magazines and television stations, filed a lawsuit against the Texas governor’s office, seeking access to a clemency report in the case of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was executed in 2004 but whose guilt is now in doubt.

• 

  Sheriff clears El Paso County Commissioner Veronica Escobar of wrongdoing

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Sheriff's Office on Friday cleared El Paso County Commissioner Veronica Escobar on two allegations of criminal wrongdoing.

• 

  Austin trustees to discuss alternative to declaring financial emergency

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Austin school district administrators today plan to present the school board with an alternative to declaring the district in a state of financial exigency.

• 

  Leaders stress stakes to promote census

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  During a news conference last week, a Salvadoran newspaper reporter asked Mayor Annise Parker what her administration was doing to help Houston's Salvadoran community. Her reply veered into a topic the journalist hadn't mentioned.

• 

  Bill White: 9-11 doubters undermine struggle against al Qaeda

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Houston Democrat Bill White said Saturday that opponents who give credence to 9-11 conspiracy theories disrespect those who served in the war against al Qaeda.

• 

  GOP gubernatorial primary: Negative campaigns may aid all hopefuls

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the state's two leading Republicans, have turned into each other's harshest detractors.

• 

  Ogden, Bius spar in state Senate race

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In what is arguably the buckle on the Conservative Belt of Texas, Republican challenger Ben Bius' message is clear: Veteran state Sen. Steve Ogden isn't conservative enough.

• 

  Plainview businessman, Jones County accountant vie for District 85 seat

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  With an unusual number of contested races in West Texas and across the state, the Republican contest in Texas House District 85 hasn't been getting a lot of attention in this busy primary season. But voters in the sprawling 16-county district have two candidates to choose from: Plainview businessman Jim Landtroop and Jones County accountant David Andrews.

• 

  District 84 voters to pick freshman legislator to send to next session

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  It is not often that West Texas voters send a freshman legislator to Austin. In fact the last time Lubbock sent one was in 1996, when Carl Isett was first elected to represent Texas House District 84.

• 

  Challengers running agressive campaigns in District 83 race

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  In this historic primary season, few Texas House races are being closely watched as the Republican contest in District 83.

• 

  Local-option taxes, fees get little support in region

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  A local-option transportation funding measure endorsed by many regional officials has far lower support among Fort Worth-area voters than the rest of the state, according to a poll conducted for the Star-Telegram and four other Texas newspapers.

• 

  House District 36 race pits Rodriguez against Munoz

  McAllen Monitor | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  This year’s race for Texas House District 36 is shaping up to be a campaign dominated by daddy issues.

• 

  Texas voters favor cutting highway funds first, poll finds

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Highways would be bye-ways if voters were in charge of cutting the state budget. With up to a $16 billion budget shortfall facing the state next year, 41 percent of Texans said in a new poll they would make up some of the deficit by slicing highway spending.

• 

  Fort Worth's conservative bent is evident in poll of voters

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Fort Worth-area voters have long been considered among the most conservative in Texas, and it shows in their responses in a new poll for the Star-Telegram and other major newspapers in the state.

• 

  Candidates for West Plano seat in Texas House digging deep into their own pockets for campaign funds

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Contenders for West Plano's seat in the Texas House of Representatives are pouring lots of their own money into the fight. With several weeks to go before the March 2 Republican primary, Mabrie Jackson and Van Taylor have between them invested more than $300,000 in the race, campaign finance reports show.

• 

  Friends bid farewell to legendary lawmaker Charlie Wilson

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The late Rep. Charlie Wilson was a dedicated public servant who took his work, but never himself, seriously, friends recalled during a memorial service Sunday in his Texas hometown.

• 

  Energy plan would put Austin among nation's greenest cities, but comes at a cost

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A plan to boost Austin's reliance on renewable energy would make it one of the nation's greenest cities. That stature, however, comes at a cost: Bills would increase an estimated 20 percent over the next decade.

• 

  Republican Primary for Texas Governor Moves Farther to Right

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Some days it is hard to be a neophyte far-right candidate in a governor’s race, even in Texas, where Republicans vying for the party’s nomination try to outdo one another to prove their conservative credentials.

• 

  More back legal ways for immigrants to stay

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  More Texas voters think unauthorized immigrants should be allowed to stay in the United States — through either a path to citizenship or work visas — than favor deporting them, according to a new Houston Chronicle/San Antonio Express-News poll.

• 

  Teo Conned, the Beckinization of Tea Partiers

  Examiner.com | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Apparently, this week's attack on Debra Medina was not as random as Glenn Beck would have liked for it to appear.

• 

  PoliTex: Haltom man raises cash for Medina

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Haltom City Councilman Anthony Reed said he pulled in over $75,000 in campaign contributions this month, but the cash isn't for him.

• 

  Perry holds solid lead as early voting nears, with Medina running strong in Tarrant area, poll finds

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  With early voting about to commence in the March 2 gubernatorial primaries, Gov. Rick Perry holds a commanding lead over his two Republican rivals, but he may be unable to avoid a runoff, according to a newly released poll for the Star-Telegram and other major Texas newspapers.

• 

  Hard times shaping views of GOP voters going into the 2010 election season

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  With the nation still struggling through economic malaise, Lynne Goldstein considers herself fortunate. She and her husband, Jay, both have their jobs, and Goldstein says she has a positive outlook about the future of the state.

• 

  Democratic frontrunner largely unknown to Texas voters, poll says

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White is still largely an unknown to many voters and would trail the two leading Republican candidates in a head-to-head matchup in the November general election, according to a newly released poll conducted for the Star-Telegram and other major Texas newspapers.

• 

  Perry leads in poll, has shot at avoiding GOP primary runoff

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Rick Perry holds a comfortable lead over Kay Bailey Hutchison, and his anti-Washington message has mired his rival for the Republican primary race for governor, according to a new poll.

• 

  Voters can end dysfunction at State Board of Education

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  It's always tempting to sleepwalk through elections for the State Board of Education. In truth, we've all done that. After all, we're not voting for our local school boards or choosing the people who will represent us in the Legislature or city hall. We ask ourselves what difference it makes if this or that person serves on the 15-member board we know so little about?

• 

  Help wanted in Texas: still no nominees for US attorney and judgeships

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  More than a year has passed since President Barack Obama took office. He has yet to nominate a U.S. attorney for any of the four posts in Texas - a point driven home this afternoon when the judges of the Houston-based Southern District of Texas appointed assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno to serve in the post, starting on Sunday.

• 

  Perry leads Democrat White in poll, but not by a lot

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  While Gov. Rick Perry is leading in the polls, some potential storm clouds lie ahead in the fall general election if he's the Republican nominee.

• 

  New poll shows Perry over 15 points ahead

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A new poll of Texas primary voters by five Texas newspapers shows Gov. Rick Perry may win the Republican party without a run-off.

• 

  Perry's current lead may not be enough

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry holds a commanding lead over his two Republican opponents in a new Houston Chronicle poll, but he still hasn't closed the deal with Republican voters to avoid a runoff with U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

• 

  Newspapers' poll: Perry has comfortable lead as voting starts

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry heads into the start of early voting Tuesday with a comfortable lead over his two Republican primary challengers, but he could be in for a tough November fight against the Democratic nominee, a poll commissioned by the Austin American-Statesman and other Texas newspapers shows.

• 

  Debate puts Jackson Lee on defensive

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The congresswoman who has represented Houston's 18th District has lost the respect of her fellow lawmakers, said one of two candidates challenging U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in the March 2 Democratic primary.

• 

  Hutchison, Perry, Medina Crowd Texas GOP Governor's Race

  TIME | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas politics is becoming curiouser and curiouser. Take the case of U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, the Texas Republican who has consistently been re-elected with record numbers. She is now seeing her lead in the state's gubernatorial race go down a rabbit hole — and the contest is on the verge of being usurped by a candidate supported by the Tea Party.

• 

  Medina: 'It's Healthy That People Are Asking Questions' About 9/11 And Obama's Birth Certificate

  Talking Points Memo | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  It turns out that Debra Medina, the Tea Party activist and candidate for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in Texas who clarified remarks yesterday that seemingly presented her as a 9/11 Truther, later that same day gave an interview in which she dignified both Trutherism and the Birthers.

• 

  Poll: Obama's ratings tank in Texas

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  President Obama's approval ratings continue to slip nationally. But in Texas — at least among independent swing voters — he's fallen off the cliff.

• 

  Sessions foresees GOP gains, but first, his own race

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Rep. Pete Sessions — selected by his peers to run the House GOP campaign arm — has found himself the target of the left and right in Texas.

• 

  Two Former Winkler County Nurses Go on the Offensive

  KWES-TV | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  They were charged for leaking private medical information, now they've filed a civil suit in federal court.

• 

  UNT regents accept President Gretchen Bataille's resignation in 7-2 vote

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In a 7-2 split vote, University of North Texas Board of Regents today accepted President Gretchen Bataille’s resignation despite a crowd of supporters who sought a delay in their decision.

• 

  Shami ‘not sure’ about U.S. role in 9-11 attacks

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  At about the same time Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina sought Friday to disavow comments she made to a radio host about the possibility the U.S. government was involved in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a Democrat in the race, Farouk Shami, offered up the same kind of remarks.

• 

  Budget hole grows as sales-tax income falls

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In more grim news for Texas' budget, state Comptroller Susan Combs said Friday that sales-tax collections once again have dropped by double-digit percentage points.

• 

  WHERE THEY STAND: GOP gov candidates on the issues

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A look at where the Republican candidates for governor stand on some key issues ahead of the March 2 primaries. Early voting begins Tuesday, Feb. 16.

• 

  Katz blasts 'culture of corruption'

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Austin deli king Marc Katz, one of three Democrats running to unseat Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, this afternoon blasted what he calls “a culture of corruption” at the State Capitol and promises to stop it if he’s elected.

• 

  Earle, Gilbert, Uribe, Carrillo, Craig merit voter support for state offices

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  We recommend the following candidates in statewide offices, beginning with lieutenant governor and proceeding down the ballot to Supreme Court in the March 2 primary.

• 

  Sealy plant's loss of Army truck deal puts 3,000 jobs at risk

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Houston-area economy suffered a second blow Friday, with the U.S. Army rejecting a Sealy-based company's appeal to keep combat truck production in Texas, where it has been for 17 years.

• 

  Governor candidates are quiet on school issues

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Four in 10 Texas school districts are using “rainy day” reserve funds to balance their current budgets. More than half the districts are expected to do so next year.

• 

  Almost 25% of children in Bexar live in poverty

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Almost a quarter of the children in Bexar County lived in poverty and lacked health insurance in 2008, according to a new study on poverty in Texas.

• 

  Medina blames gov's race opponents for 9/11 flap

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina, reeling from her remarks that questioned whether the U.S. government was involved in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, on Friday blamed the ensuing firestorm on a "coordinated attack" that she speculated came from the campaigns of her better-known GOP rivals.

• 

  Medina denies 9/11 conspiracy, but Shami not so sure

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina on Friday sought to play down comments she made during a radio talk show about the possibility the U.S. government was involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

• 

  High court to decide if ‘pole tax' strips rights

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Texas Supreme Court has decided to review the legality of charging a $5-per-person “pole tax” to patrons of strip clubs and other adult entertainment venues, a case that has hinged on whether the government can tax content protected by the First Amendment.

• 

  State official stars in food program ads, election opponents cry foul

  Texas Watchdog | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Day after day this past summer people all over Texas heard the voice and saw the face of Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples promoting a little known federal summer lunch program for low-income children.

• 

  UNT president's resignation will be expensive for the university

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gretchen Bataille’s sudden resignation as president of the University of North Texas will be expensive.

• 

  Medina: Politics as usual

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  We all knew we were in for a political treat in the GOP gubernatorial primary. What nobody could see coming was the emergence of Debra Medina as perhaps the most interesting facet of this historic race.

• 

  State Supreme Court to consider whether strip club fee is constitutional

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The state Supreme Court agreed Friday to consider whether Texas' so-called pole tax, a $5 entrance fee at strip clubs, is unconstitutional.

• 

  Poll: Margo-Moody rematch possible; Chávez may face runoff

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Republican Dee Margo could face Democratic state Rep. Joe Moody in a rematch for the House District 78 seat, according to an El Paso Times poll.

• 

  Sales tax revenue continues slide

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Despite another dismal month of sales tax collections, Texas officials say there is still time for state income to bounce back.

• 

  Democrat Shami also raises doubts on 9/11 attacks

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Democrat Farouk Shami on Friday became the second gubernatorial candidate in two days to say it's unclear whether the U.S. government was involved in the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

• 

  Education board candidate faces claim he's soft on terror

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A supporter of Ken Mercer, the board member whose expansive district includes southern Travis County, asserted in a mass e-mail late Thursday that Mercer's challenger in the primary, Tim Tugge, would soft-pedal terrorism in Texas textbooks because his former law firm once represented Saudi Arabia.

• 

  Doubts remain about Victor Leal's home

  Amarillo Globe-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A move to a different county, an unexpected retirement by a veteran legislator and the quick declaration of a candidacy - the path to the primary race for the House District 87 seat has been fast paced for Victor Leal.

• 

  Democratic candidate for governor Farouk Shami says white people not willing to work in factories

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Democratic candidate for governor Farouk Shami said Friday that white people are not willing to work in factories and as a result, Hispanic labor is essential to the Texas economy.

• 

  Democratic candidate for governor: 'Whites don't want to work in factories'

  WFAA-TV | 7 months ago | suggested by Reeve Hamilton

  Race became an issue in the Democratic primary for governor today. Farouk Shami, the millionaire hair care products maker who's running, said he doesn't find many white people willing to work, so he says he hires Hispanics and blacks instead.

• 

  Big Ten offers UT more money but threatens rivalries

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Last month, two days before the Texas Longhorns played in the Bowl Championship Series title game, UT athletic director DeLoss Dodds sat down in a California hotel and talked about contingency plans.

• 

  Texas nursing home investigations backlogged

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The state agency responsible for ensuring the safety of Texas nursing home residents has a backlog of 1,550 past-due investigations, agency officials said today.

• 

  Parents praise, teachers protest firing plan

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Brian Thevenot

  Dozens of parents spoke in favor of the decision, while more than 750 teachers packed the school district's headquarters to protest the policy, considered among the most aggressive efforts in the nation to improve teacher quality.

• 

  Kinky throws support behind White

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The latest political pairing: an entertainer known for his quick wit and anti-establishment stance, and a quiet businessman turned prominent Texas politician.

• 

  Jones, Griffin, and Lantroop for House Districts 83, 84, 85

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  We recommend Delwin Jones for state representative, District 83, Mark Griffin for state representative, District 84, and Jim Lantroop for state representative, District 85.

• 

  Medina at first takes a pass when asked if 9/11 was inside job

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina got her first big lesson in damage control Thursday.

• 

  Medina was a controversial force in Wharton County politics

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  When the Wharton County judge, a longtime Democrat, wanted to switch to the Republican Party several years ago, the county GOP then under the leadership of Debra Medina had a few questions for him.

• Hutchison blasts Perry for meddling

  Bryan-College Station Eagle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison chastised Gov. Rick Perry in an interview Wednesday for what she called his "egregious" micromanaging at Texas A&M University and pledged to strive to elevate the school to one of the elite public colleges in the United States, if elected.

• 

  UTMB warns 1,200 of identity theft threat

  Galveston County Daily News | 7 months ago | suggested by Abby Rapoport

  A Georgia company assisting the University of Texas Medical Branch with insurance billing and collections waited more than a month to notify island officials that an employee with access to information about more than a thousand patients had been charged with identity theft.

• 

  Mexico says U.S. is slacking in war on drugs

  McAllen Monitor | 7 months ago | suggested by Abby Rapoport

  But President Felipe Calderón has stepped up the fight against the cartels, sending the military against them. He has also accepted U.S. assistance through the Mérida Initiative, including intelligence, equipment and technology.

• 

  Democrat Shami could test his party’s correctness

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Abby Rapoport

  If he accomplishes nothing else this campaign season, Houston businessman Farouk Shami at least delivered a political quote for the ages.

• 

  Budget cutters eye state hospitals, Medicaid providers

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Patient numbers would be cut at four state psychiatric hospitals, including the one in San Antonio, and health-care providers would see a drop in reimbursement rates for Medicaid patients under budget options presented by state officials.

• 

  PUC chairman enters CPS fray

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas Public Utility Commission Chairman Barry Smitherman has stepped into the nuclear battle between CPS Energy and its partner to try to mediate a settlement.

• 

  9-11 query may haunt Medina

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Anti-Washington activist Debra Medina was on the brink of knocking U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison out of a likely Republican gubernatorial runoff, but she may have spoiled her chances Thursday with her remarks on the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

• Three Democrats Vying to Unseat Lt. Gov

  KERA Dallas | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle and 2 others spoke a Dallas Democratic Forum event today. All 3 are running to be the Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor in November. KERA's Bill Zeeble has more.

• 

  Debra Medina’s Texas-size momentum

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A pistol-packing nurse and home-schooler with close ties to Ron Paul is emerging as a wild card who is reordering the dynamics of the March 2 Texas Republican primary for governor.

• 

  Files go inside 'big money bust' in immigrant smuggling ring

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  ICE agents carried out a series of raids last Tuesday targeting companies that shuttle illegal immigrants from Houston to destinations across the U.S., picking up 20 of 22 defendants charged with conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants.

• 

  White works on introducing himself to the rest of Texas

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  It's a spring-like Saturday evening in San Marcos, the winter sun dipping behind rustic two-story buildings on the Hays County Courthouse square. At Café on the Square, across from the courthouse, a congenial crowd awaits the arrival of a former big-city mayor who aspires to be the next governor of Texas.

• 

  Rivals try to pin Sept. 11 slip on Debra Medina

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Tea party candidate Debra Medina was thrashed Thursday by her two powerful Republican rivals in the Texas gubernatorial race after suggesting that the United States government may have played a role in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

• 

  Austin school district dual language proposal raises concerns for some

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Proposed reforms to the Austin school district's bilingual education program have threatened what some say is a tenuous relationship between new Superintendent Meria Carstarphen and some members of Austin's Hispanic community.

• 

  Texas lottery officials examine possible conflict

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas lottery officials said Thursday that they found no evidence of improper bid information sharing between a consultant company and the lottery's main vendor, GTECH Corp., but they said say they cannot rule it out.

• 

  Medina, hailing from Beeville, learned political skills on the range

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  When Debra Parker was in high school in the late 1970s, her parents limited her to two after-school activities at A.C. Jones High School. Any more than that would have taken her away from the family ranch, where she spent early mornings and late evenings breaking horses, herding cattle and goats, butchering livestock and churning butter.

• 

  Sen.'s Washington clout clouds Texas run

  USA Today | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Two candidates claim the Tea Party mantle: Perry, who has led Hutchison by double digits in every state poll since the summer, and Debra Medina, a former GOP county chairwoman. A University of Texas poll of about 400 likely GOP voters published today in The Texas Tribune shows Perry leading with 45%, Hutchison at 21% and Medina at 19%.

• 

  9/11 comments trip up gov hopeful Debra Medina

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Anti-Washington activist Debra Medina was on the brink of knocking U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison out of a likely Republican gubernatorial runoff, but she may have spoiled her chances Thursday with her remarks on the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

• 

  The Texas GOP Governor's Race: Three's a Crowd

  TIME | 7 months ago | suggested by Elise Hu

  Texas politics is becoming curiouser and curiouser.

• 

  Debra Medina self-destructs on Glenn Beck radio show

  Christian Science Monitor | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  This candidacy will self-destruct in five seconds...

• Another famous 'flight to Medina?'

  Southern Political Report | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In 622 A.D., the Islamic prophet Muhammad fled from Mecca to Medina, escaping the wrath of several Arab tribes, an event so significant that it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Could voter flight to another Medina in Texas shake the American political establishment?

• 

  Most lawmakers haven't returned donations from disgraced Texas banker Allen Stanford

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Most lawmakers haven't returned donations from disgraced Texas banker R. Allen Stanford despite pleadings from a federal receiver who is trying to get the money back for defrauded investors.

• 

  How Christian Were the Founders?

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Over two days, more than a hundred people — Christians, Jews, housewives, naval officers, professors; people outfitted in everything from business suits to military fatigues to turbans to baseball caps — streamed through the halls of the William B. Travis Building in Austin, Tex., waiting for a chance to stand before the semicircle of 15 high-backed chairs whose occupants made up the Texas State Board of Education. Each petitioner had three minutes to say his or her piece.

• The Big Bend Sentinel - Border Patrol halts deportation program through Presidio, Ojinaga

  The Big Bend Sentinel | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  The Border Patrol program has been suspended in which illegal immigrants detained in Arizona were repatriated to Mexico through Presidio’s port of entry.

• 

  The Lincoln-Douglas Debates, As Done In State Rep. District 146: Borris Miles Pees On Air

  Houston Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Neither of these guys exactly bring the word "statesman" to mind, to be sure. But we never expected the race to include a live, on-air drug test.

• 

  37% of Texas voters have no opinion about John Cornyn

  Public Policy Polling | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Texas numbers we put out today showed NRSC chair John Cornyn with a super mediocre 32/30 approval spread, with 37% of voters having no opinion about him. Is all of his traveling around the country making his constituents forget who he is?

• 

  Lawmakers Want to Reinstate Barriers on Campaign Spending by Corporations, Others

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  House and Senate Democrats outlined legislation today aimed at rebuilding some of the barriers to political advertising by corporations, unions and other third-party groups that the Supreme Court just struck down.

• 

  Texas lawmakers keeping Allen Stanford's donations

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Some office holders, including President Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain, donated Stanford donations to charity when the scandal erupted. But most members and campaign committees have kept the money. Late Tuesday, Janvey updated his list of lawmakers who haven't returned the funds. The Texas keepers include: -- Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Dallas -- Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's KPAC political action committee -- Sen. John Cornyn -- Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D- San Antonio -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands -- Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio

• 

  Glenn Beck slams Debra Medina for not disavowing 9-11 truthers

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  TV and radio commentator Glenn Beck dismissed the candidacy of Debra Medina when she left open the door to a conspiracy fringe group that believes the U.S. government might have been behind the 9-11 destruction of the World Trade Center.

• 

  Medina: I have never believed our government was involved in 9/11 attacks

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina just released a statement saying that she has never “believed that our government was involved” with the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

• 

  Pity For Terri Hodge? Save It for the Voters She Betrayed

  Dallas Observer | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Oh, such warm, moist sighs of sadness swept the city last week over the end of state Representative Terri Hodge's political life. What a shame. What a tragedy. What a load of crap.

• 

  Do teachers' advanced degrees matter?

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Brian Thevenot

  With money tight, a handful of districts are considering ditching the traditional salary bump for teachers with master's degrees in favor of pay based more on student learning.

• 

  'Distinguished' schools in Texas soared, helped by state formula

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Brian Thevenot

  The number of high-poverty schools recognized for distinguished performance soared both statewide and in Dallas in 2009 – with some statistical help that boosted test scores.

• 

  Sessions says recent GOP victories aided fundraising for party

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  After a year of lackluster fundraising, House Republicans are bouncing back, Dallas Rep. Pete Sessions said Wednesday, thanks to several mood-lifting wins for the party.

• 

  Plan to suspend new drilling in Barnett Shale becomes campaign topic

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The energy-rich Barnett Shale is becoming enmeshed in election-year politics as the leading Democratic candidates for governor take opposing directions over a proposed moratorium on new permits for natural gas production amid concerns about benzene emissions.

• 

  House District 92 race centers on voter ID bill, party leader's role

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Republican primary race between state Rep. Todd Smith of Euless and former Bedford Councilman Jeff Cason has turned into a statewide argument over one issue: Smith's failed effort to pass a voter ID bill last year.

• 

  Dancing in the halls of justice becomes an issue in GOP primary race for 322nd District Court

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Lisa Hoppes doesn't dance around it: She doesn't like what's going on in state District Judge Nancy Berger's court.

• 

  Perry blasts immigration policy

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Contending the federal government has failed to control the U.S.-Mexico border, Gov. Rick Perry said Wednesday he'll begin billing the government the $13.5 million a month that he says it costs the state to incarcerate undocumented people being held on criminal charges.

• 

  Texas health care providers could see Medicaid fees reduced

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Doctors, dentists and hospitals would see their Medicaid fees trimmed by at least 1 percent under possible budget reductions offered Wednesday by state Health and Human Services Commissioner Tom Suehs.

• 

  400 HISD teachers may face firing over test scores

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  More than 400 teachers in the Houston school district have performed so poorly that their students have lost ground, according to HISD, and those educators' jobs could be on the line if they don't improve.

• 

  University of North Texas President Gretchen Bataille says she'll resign at the end of the month

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  University of North Texas President Gretchen Bataille abruptly announced Wednesday that she will resign at the end of this month.

• 

  Supporters want to expand University of Texas at Dallas' college-prep program

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Each year, the University of Texas at Dallas takes 40 high school graduates who aren't quite ready for college and, over an academically intense summer, makes sure they are. [Click image for a larger version] JOHN F. RHODES/DMN JOHN F. RHODES/DMN Netreia McNulty (left), with state Rep. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, was among the first high school graduates to participate in the Academic Bridge Program 10 years ago. She's now working on her master's degree.

• 

  Good-Time Charlie Wilson

  TIME | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  From Texas comes word that Charlie Wilson's heart--his second--finally gave out. Which wasn't all that surprising, when you considered how much he had lived.

• 

  State officials consider closing some prisons

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  More than a decade after expanding Texas' prison system into one of the largest in the world and growing its law-and-order reputation accordingly some state leaders are now openly discussing the possibility of what was once politically unthinkable: closing or mothballing entire prisons.

• 

  Perry seeks reimbursement for detained immigrants; new poll shows Perry, White as leaders in primary races

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry said he wants the federal government to reimburse Texas for the cost of holding illegal immigrants in state prisons.

• 

  Republicans jostle to challenge Strama

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Two little-known Republicans are vying for the chance to snag a Texas House seat from Democratic incumbent Mark Strama.

• 

  Campaign tactics leave maturity on the sidelines

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  It was probably one of the more expensive inside jokes in the history of Texas politics.

• 

  Political clout shaky for Panhandle as redistricting looms

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Matt Stiles

  Texas is expected to gain at least three congressional districts next year, but the political strength of the Panhandle/South Plains region looks shaky because more than a dozen counties have had massive population losses in the past decade, members of the Texas House Redistricting Committee learned Wednesday.

• 

  Shami brings business experience to governor's race

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Now that Farouk Shami has tamed the tangled hair of women around the world with his wildly popular CHI hot-iron hair straightener, he's eager to untangle the twisted politics of Texas. Despite wealth beyond even his own outsized dreams, the hair-products magnate wants to channel his ideas and ambitions elsewhere. He wants to be the next governor of the Lone Star State.

• 

  In preliberated Texas, Bailey strove to succeed in law, politics

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The La Marque Times on Oct. 21, 1960, mentioned Kay Bailey not once, but twice: first, on page one, as student director of the student follies (tickets 25 cents for students, 50 cents for adults), and second, in the Teen Tattle! Teen Club column on the Junior Coronation, as the "lovely Queen Kay Bailey."

• 

  Former Rep. Charlie Wilson dies; led U.S. support of Afghans against Soviets

  Washington Post | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Former U.S. representative Charlie Wilson, a flamboyant 12-term East Texas Democrat who used his control of CIA purse strings to finance and arm an Afghan insurgency that drove out the Soviet occupation in the 1980s, died Feb. 10 at a hospital in Lufkin, Tex. He was 76 and had a history of heart ailments.

• 

  City sales tax revenue in Texas mixed in December

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas' economy continues to give off mixed economic signals. Municipal sales tax collections fell more than 6 percent in December, despite forecasts that the holiday shopping season might improve from a dismal 2008.

• 

  Good-Time Charlie Wilson

  TIME | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  From Texas comes word that Charlie Wilson's heart--his second--finally gave out. Which wasn't all that surprising, when you considered how much he had lived. If you measured Charlie Wilson's life in years, it came to only 76. But if you looked at the number of miles the former Texas Congressman put on his odometer, well, that added up to more than most men could manage in three lifetimes.

• 

  South Park episode too unpatriotic for Mexico

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  President Felipe Calderon’s South Park spoof will have to wait.

• 

  Charlie Wilson, Texas Congressman Linked to Foreign Intrigue, Dies at 76

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Charlie Wilson, a 12-term Texas congressman who was best known for his playboy ways until he masterminded a covert effort to funnel billions of dollars in arms to Afghan rebels fighting the Soviets in the 1980s, died Wednesday in Lufkin, Tex. He was 76.

• 

  Kinky Friedman campaigns for agriculture post

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Cigar-chomping humorist Kinky Friedman fired one-liners like a gunslinger Tuesday in a visit to El Paso as part of his campaign for Texas agriculture commissioner.

• 

  Charlie Wilson's way

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Congress lost one of its most colorful characters Wednesday with the death of former Rep. Charlie Wilson, a Texas Democrat who mixed wit and a maverick lifestyle with a deadly serious backroom campaign to secure covert funding for Afghan rebels fighting Soviet occupiers in the 1980s.

• 

  Wilson and Murtha, Together in Arms

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The death of former Representative Charlie Wilson of Texas is the loss of the second legendary member of the House Appropriations Committee in a week, coming just days after his one-time colleague, Representative John P. Murtha of Pennsylvania, passed away.

• 

  White competitive in Texas gov. poll

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Houston Mayor Bill White trails all three potential GOP candidates for governor of Texas, according to a new Public Policy Polling survey, but he has a competitive shot at claiming the governor's mansion for the Democrats for the first time in 16 years.

• 

  Tea Party, Tancredo link limits reach

  Brownsville Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  I vote and I know how to say the word in English. And thus, I, along with many other South Texans would likely pass the literacy and civics test that a former Colorado Republican congressman says should be put into place before Americans are allowed to vote. Even if we were to pass this hypothetical test, I’m sure Tom Tancredo would come up with another reason why America would be better of if South Texans were denied the right to vote.

• 

  University of North Texas president to resign

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The president of the University of North Texas announced today that she is stepping down at the end of the month.

• 

  Texas is urged to help expand solar power

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas "has what it takes to be a national leader in solar power," including ample sunshine, but it needs to embrace more ambitious policies and adopt new financial incentives to make it happen, according to a "Lone Star Power" report issued Wednesday by Environment Texas and the Go Solar Texas Coalition.

• 

  Charlie Wilson, an appreciation: Profane playboy, serious lawmaker

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Charlie Wilson had a way with words. Back in 1985, when I was a young and impressionable Washington reporter for the Dallas Times Herald, Charlie didn't like an article that my colleague Richard Fly had written. The Lufkin congressman cut out the article, scrawled a two-word response, the first beginning with an "F," the second being "you" and mailed it to the offending reporter.

• 

  Charlie Wilson's Texas

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Let me say upfront I didn't know Charlie Wilson. But like many people in Texas and Washington, I knew about the Democratic congressman, who passed away today at age 76. When I was living in D.C. in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, the East Texan was living proof of the color of Texas politicians of days gone by.

• 

  In ag race, Hank Gilbert and Kinky Friedman square off for Democratic nomination

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Hank Gilbert and Kinky Friedman are campaigning for the Democratic nomination for agricultural commissioner. But to hear each of them talk politics, you would think they were still running for governor.

• 

  Natalicio: UTEP will continue efforts to become top-tier research institution

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  UTEP has work to do, but it will continue striving to become a research power, university President Diana Natalicio said Wednesday.

• 

  Perry to feds: Pay up for cost of jailing illegal immigrants

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry wants the federal government to reimburse Texas for the cost of holding illegal immigrants in state prisons.

• 

  UH's planned tuition hike draws protest

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A University of Houston committee today approved raising tuition and fees by 3.95 percent next fall, drawing an immediate rebuke from a legislator critical of rising tuition.

• 

  Medicaid fees may be trimmed to help balance Texas budget

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Doctors, dentists and hospitals would have their Medicaid fees trimmed by at least 1 percent under possible budget reductions offered today by state Health and Human Services Commissioner Tom Suehs.

• 

  Former Texas Rep. Charlie Wilson dies at 76

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Charlie Wilson, the former congressman from Texas whose funding of Afghanistan's resistance to the Soviet Union was chronicled in the movie and book "Charlie Wilson's War," died Wednesday. He was 76.

• 

  Legislators eye sales tax exemptions for new money

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Abby Rapoport

• 

  Former lawmaker Charlie Wilson of Texas dead at 76

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Abby Rapoport

  Charlie Wilson, the former U.S. congressman from Texas whose funding of Afghanistan's resistance to the Soviet Union was chronicled in the movie "Charlie Wilson's War," has died. He was 76.

• 

  Democrats: A Portrait in Gutlessness

  Texas Observer | 7 months ago | suggested by Abby Rapoport

  Dionne, who usually has his finger on the pulse of D.C. liberals, visited with congressional Democrats and found that many of them had reacted to the Massachusetts election by hiding in the corner.

• 

  CPS board approves rate increases

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Abby Rapoport

  CPS Energy's Board of Trustees approved rate increases and a budget of just under $2 billion Wednesday morning.

• Rep. Pete Sessions says NRCC has turned a corner, predicts GOP majority after midterms

  Trailblazers Blog: The Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Abby Rapoport

  The fresh money may close the gap slightly with the Democrats' House campaign committee, which outraised the NRCC last year by $20 million and, with $16.7 million in the bank, held a 6-1 edge a month ago.

• 

  More bad polling news for Hutchison

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Abby Rapoport

  But a new survey of Collin County voters shows Hutchison in a dead heat with activist Debra Medina.

• 

  Staying Mum and Winning Races

  Congressional Quarterly | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  “In Texas, since Karl Rove left, there’s been sort of a deficit in experienced, political folks who are capable of running a re-election campaign for senator in the state of Texas,” U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said, comparing his aide to the legendary GOP strategist.

• 

  US Rep Sheila Jackson Lee gets rare challenge

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sheila Jackson Lee's appearance at Michael Jackson's funeral in Los Angeles last summer helped convince a three-term Houston city councilman to give the ubiquitous congresswoman her first credible re-election challenge since she won her seat 16 years ago.

• 

  White calls for more efficient state government

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Fresh off his lone primary debate with hair-care tycoon Farouk Shami, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White cast himself Tuesday as the kind of hard-nosed manager Texas needs to navigate its way through a recession.

• 

  Hispanic Democratic group endorses Shami for governor

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A leading group of Hispanic Democrats endorsed businessman Farouk Shami for governor Tuesday, saying the Palestinian-American immigrant personifies the American dream.

• 

  From farm to politics, Perry follows in family's footsteps

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  If he wasn't your governor, chances are that Rick Perry would be spending his days in the left seat of a Boeing 737 cockpit as a Southwest Airlines pilot.

• 

  Political Notes: How Chavez-Thompson counts on a win

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  As a longtime labor leader and union organizer, Linda Chavez-Thompson has done her share of counting votes.

• 

  Which Rick Perry will appear? The right one, for any occasion

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Why has Rick Perry never lost an election? It could be because there are four of him.

• 

  Former McAllen mayor's DWI case filed

  McAllen Monitor | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Prosecutors said they filed the driving while intoxicated case of former McAllen mayor Leo Montalvo on Monday, seven months after his arrest.

• 

  Perry underscores executive during long tenure as state's CEO

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry has in many ways dispelled the notion that governor of Texas is an inherently weak office.

• 

  Slater: Mansfield couple’s fight with powerful homebuilder back in court

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  When Bob and Jane Cull returned to court last week in their decade-long legal battle against homebuilder Bob Perry, it was like starting all over again.

• 

  The one that got away

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Jose Salaz left a trail of blood after cutting himself on razor wire while climbing over three prison fences in 1997, fleeing across a field and disappearing into an exclusive class of fugitives: the only escapee from a Texas prison who still remains at large.

• 

  DPS cuts training to gain recruits, reduce costs

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The tan cowboy hat and shiny back boots will be the same, but Texas troopers soon will be on the highways with nine fewer weeks of training than their veteran colleagues.

• 

  Hundreds of pieces of mail undelivered in Temple

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A federal investigation found that nearly 700 pieces of mail sat undelivered in the Temple post office last July, more than half of it first class.

• 

  Texas to discard millions of babies' blood samples

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A critical safety net for babies -- that heel prick of blood taken from every newborn -- is facing an ethics attack.

• 

  Fort Worth is told to release names of witnesses in Rainbow Lounge incident

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The city's legal department cannot withhold the names of people who witnessed the June 28 inspection of the Rainbow Lounge despite its arguments that disclosure would violate the witnesses' privacy, the Texas attorney general's office has ruled.

• 

  Mayor Parker considers new route for Metro

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  As Mayor Annise Parker awaits reports from transition committees studying the Metropolitan Transit Authority, fundamental questions loom about how the agency should deliver and pay for services and its role in shaping regional growth and development.

• 

  Districts consider ending salary perk for teachers

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Houston-area school districts spend tens of millions of dollars a year on teachers with advanced degrees that studies show don't produce better student achievement.

• 

  Ben Barnes could be dabbling in New York politics...Maybe not

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Page Six, the gossip page of the New York Post, reported yesterday that a former Texas politician was at an Italian restaurant with a former congressman for Tennessee who is considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat from New York.

• 

  DEA: Smugglers throwing marijuana over border fence

  Brownsville Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Federal agents arrested a man and a teenage male who had placed a ladder against the border fence and were in the process of throwing several bundles of marijuana over it, court documents show.

• 

  Abstinence-only study applauded

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  An abstinence-only study that allowed students to explore the drawbacks of having sex as young as age 12 has attracted praise from some Texas educators.

• 

  House Republicans have high hopes but little campaign cash

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The party's House campaign arm, run by U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions of Dallas, has struggled to raise funds, leaving Democrats with a 6-1 advantage. The GOP's cash stockpile hasn't been this low at the start of an election year since 1998. It has barely enough to help a handful of promising challengers buy a TV blitz.

• 

  Experts disagree on reasons for area's smog compliance

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Houston met the federal smog limit for the first time last year because of pollution controls and not as a result of favorable weather conditions or a slumping economy, Texas regulators say.

• 

  Hightower claims Kinky appeal will bring more voters

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Hightower said Friedman will boost the number of voters up 7 percent in a general election

• 

  DHS: The number of illegal immigrants in US fell

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

• 

  Medical Justice, West Texas-Style

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A nurse is on trial in a West Texas criminal court after she submitted an unsigned complaint to a state medical board expressing concern about the quality of care provided by a doctor in the county hospital where she worked.

• 

  We recommend Jackson in House District 66

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Mabrie Jackson, 45, former Plano City Council member, is the best choice of the three, based on her experience in decision-making, involvement in civic affairs and deep roots in the community. Moreover, Jackson appears best positioned to continue the brand of coalition-building McCall practiced to get things done in Austin.

• 

  GOP voters face high court picks

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Republican primary voters face two difficult choices for Texas Supreme Court nominations.

• 

  Democrat White needs a challenge in primary race for Texas governor

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Students of Texas political history who watched Monday night's debate between gubernatorial candidates Bill White and Farouk Shami can't be faulted for asking something like, "Where's Tom Schieffer when the Democratic Party needs him?"

• 

  Harris County to pay up to get high-speed rail on track

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Commissioners Court decided Tuesday to buy a $50,000 ticket to get Harris County aboard a movement to bring high-speed rail to Texas.

• 

  Immigration and the Texas Governor's Race

  KRLD.com | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texans for Sensible Immigration Policy Co-founder Norman Adams talks with Scott Braddock.

• 

  Cisneros endorses educator for State Board of Education

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Former HUD Secretary and San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros has endorsed educator Rebecca Bell-Metereau in her primary election bid to be the Democratic nominee for the District 5 seat on the State Board of Education.

• 

  City Council passes Juárez violence resolution minus paragraph on marijuana legalization

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The City Council today voted 6-2 to condemn the drug-related violence in Juarez but declined to advocate the legalization of marijuana.

• 

  PPP: Medina closing on KBH

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is at risk of finishing third in next month's Republican gubernatorial primary, according to a Public Policy Polling survey that shows tea party favorite Debra Medina rapidly gaining ground on Hutchison and incumbent Gov. Rick Perry.

• 

  Survey: Medina becoming a real threat to Hutchison

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  U.S. Sen Kay Bailey Hutchison was the queen of a Public Policy Pollng survey a year ago, leading Gov. Rick Perry by 25 percentage points. But a new survey released by the group this morning shows Hutchison is clearly in danger of not making a runoff with Perry. The possibility exists that anti-Washington activist Debra Medina could make it instead.

• 

  Ron Paul Draws Three Tea Party Primary Opponents

  Newser | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Ron Paul is facing a whopping three primary challengers this year, all from the so-called Tea Party movement many credit him with starting.

• 

  Cost of running for office just got higher

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Things were a lot easier for Harris County Democrats when their judicial candidates didn't actually stand a chance of winning.

• 

  Usually unopposed GOP congressmen draw challengers

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Conservative discontent has spurred a challenger to a Republican congressman representing Central Texas who has not had a primary opponent in 16 years.

• 

  San Angelo Dems support White

  San Angelo Standard-Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A small group of local Democratic leaders gathered Monday night to watch the two relatively unknown Democratic front runners for governor introduce themselves to voters.

• 

  Democrats throw support to Johnson after Hodge's guilty plea

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  An array of prominent Democrats on Monday endorsed lawyer Eric Johnson for state representative in District 100, an area of southern Dallas that for 14 years has been represented by Terri Hodge.

• 

  White skips primary talk and guns straight for Perry

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Houston Democrat Bill White launched his campaign against Gov. Rick Perry on Monday night.

• 

  White, Shami spar on death penalty, gas tax in Texas Democratic governor debate

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The two main Democratic candidates for governor clashed on the death penalty, increasing the gasoline tax and halting Barnett Shale energy production Monday night in their only statewide televised debate.

• 

  Shami's big promises still lacking in details

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The leading Democratic contenders for governor were in near lock step on most issues facing Texas, particularly support for abortion rights, disdain for a voter identification law, and the need to grow the economy.

• 

  Dems debate jobs and justice

  Abilene Reporter News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Democratic hair care businessman Farouk Shami guaranteed Monday that he would create 100,000 jobs available to everyone, offer free electricity and an enact a moratorium on the death penalty if elected governor of Texas.

• 

  Toll road agency lawyer resigns after bar suspension

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Tom Nielson, a former Round Rock City Council member and general counsel of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority since 2006, quietly left the toll road agency several weeks ago after the State Bar of Texas suspended his law license.

• 

  Border Patrol responds to rocks, bottles with gunfire

  McAllen Monitor | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  U.S. Border Patrol agents opened fire on an undisclosed number of people throwing beer bottles at one of the agency’s boats Monday morning.

• 

  6 dead after Reynosa shootout

  McAllen Monitor | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  At least six people were killed amid a barrage of grenade blasts and gunfire in a residential neighborhood on the city’s southwest fringe early Monday morning, officials said.

• 

  Tech payroll glitch affects thousands

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  More than 5,000 Texas Tech employees have received incorrect W-2 tax statements from the university this year.

• 

  Local officials fighting request by HUD to divert $100 million in hurricane funds from Deep East Texas to Galveston

  Lufkin Daily News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Angelina County Commissioners on Monday adopted a resolution that they hope will level the playing field for disaster recovery and preparedness.

• 

  Panel to begin gathering input on state's redistricting

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Redrawing the state's congressional and Texas Legislature districts is still a year away. But as early as this week, a panel that will recommend to the lawmakers how to redraw the maps may get a preview of what can be expected.

• 

  Federal agencies failing to ease colonias' water needs, new study says

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  About $1.4 billion in taxpayers' money has been sent to the border for water and sewage projects in the last eight years, but little has been achieved in making low-income neighborhoods more livable, a new federal study says.

• 

  Taking action: Juárez violence, marijuana resolution on agenda

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A resolution sponsored by city Reps. Steve Ortega and Beto O'Rourke would condemn the drug-related violence in Juárez and request that both the U.S. and Mexican governments take stronger action to end it.

• 

  JSC chief 'anxious' about facility's future

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The director of Johnson Space Center said Monday he is “very anxious” about the future of his sprawling facility in the Clear Lake area.

• 

  Gov. Rick Perry calls for tighter border security measures

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry tried to shore up his border security credentials Monday as he campaigned for re-election by calling for a Predator drone at the Texas-Mexico border and highlighting a transnational gang initiative.

• 

  White, Shami try to win votes in only scheduled debate

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White largely bypassed opponent Farouk Shami in a televised debate Monday night, instead attacking Gov. Rick Perry and seeking to appeal beyond his party to independents and Republicans.

• 

  White may lack color, but he sheds some low-key light

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  And there they were, together again for the first time at a televised debate. The rare: A wealthy, Palestinian-born hair care magnate running for governor of Texas. And the even rarer: A Democrat with an actual chance of being elected governor of Texas.

• 

  Democratic debate centers on job creation, budget

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Former Houston Mayor Bill White and hair-care magnate Farouk Shami squared off in a debate Monday in Fort Worth that focused on job creation, balancing the state's budget, renewable energy and border issues.

• Business coalition pushes solar energy in Texas

  Waco Tribune-Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A business organization is pressing for the state government to expand its solar power goals to make Texas a national leader in solar energy.

• 

  Body found near Alton identified as human trafficker

  Brownsville Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  heriff’s deputies identified a man found dead Friday night as a convicted human trafficker previously deported to Mexico.

• 

  Ken Herman: As I See It: Perry-Palin

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

• 

  Students, fans, UT administrators debate fate of Cactus Cafe

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  When the University of Texas announced late last month that it would close the Cactus Cafe, a storied music venue in the student union, musicians and their fans began a campaign to save it. But what, exactly, would constitute saving the cafe? And what constitutes closing it?

• 

  Editorial: White shines in Democratic debate

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Last night's gubernatorial primary debate between former Houston Mayor Bill White and businessman Farouk Shami went a long way to convincing Democratic voters which candidate deserves to lead their party's charge. White's responses to a broad array of questions showed a level of political acumen and experience that Shami fell woefully short of matching.

• 

  Study: Latinos will play key role in Texas governor's race

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Latino voters could play a key role in deciding the outcome of several key 2010 political races across the country, including the Texas gubernatorial contest, a new report released today by liberal groups concluded.

• 

  Abstinence-only sex education works, study finds, but lessons murky

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Dramatic new evidence that abstinence-only sex education can succeed in public schools ought to be good news for Texas, right? After all, state law requires an emphasis on abstinence, and most school districts stop there.

• 

  White, Shami disagree on death penalty moratorium, border security in Democratic debate

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  One of the few things on which the state's two top Democratic candidates for governor agreed Monday, during their first and likely only debate, is that it's time for change in Texas.

• 

  Hutchison calls education a priority

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison visited San Antonio's KIPP Aspire Academy Monday along with former first lady Barbara Bush and former Congressman Henry Bonilla to talk about what she calls her No. 1 issue in her campaign for governor: education.

• 

  White, Shami try to win votes in only scheduled debate

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White largely bypassed opponent Farouk Shami in a televised debate Monday night, instead attacking Gov. Rick Perry and seeking to appeal beyond his party to independents and Republicans.

• 

  Snyder and Hutchison's Super Bowl ads

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Two Republican candidates lagging in primary contests shelled out to advertise during the Super Bowl Sunday night, in the hope of getting their messages out to an unusually large television audience.

• 

  In debate with Shami, White directs attention at Perry

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Former Houston Mayor Bill White largely ignored his main Democratic gubernatorial opponent in a statewide debate Monday to frame himself as the politically experienced candidate who can take on Republican Gov. Rick Perry in the general election.

• 

  A debate that makes you go, hmmm

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  At the end of tonight's debate between the major Democratic contenders, Bill White emphasized in part the civility that he said was a contrast to the previous GOP faceoffs that sometimes had candidates talking over each other, loudly.

• 

  We recommend Friedman in ag commissioner primary

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Picture cigar-chomping entertainer Kinky Friedman as state agriculture commissioner. It's hard to see him in any statewide office, really, but his talent for folksy one-liners could at least be useful in the important role of promoting Texas farm and ranch products.

• 

  Top 2 Dem. gov. hopefuls talk jobs, death penalty

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Democratic hair care businessman Farouk Shami guaranteed Monday that he would create 100,000 jobs available to everyone, offer free electricity and an enact a moratorium on the death penalty if elected governor of Texas.

• 

  Border Patrol: Agents bombarded with objects fire shots into Mexico

  Brownsville Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  U.S. Border Patrol agents fired gunshots into Mexico upon "being bombarded with objects" during a boat patrol of the Rio Grande, authorities said.

• 

  Democratic governor hopefuls debate

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Houston hair care businessman Farouk Shami says he'd support a moratorium on the death penalty if elected governor.

• 

  Democrat gubernatorial candidates spar in TV debate

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The two front-running Democratic candidates for governor sparred in their first and only televised debate Monday, providing different solutions for problems -- from education to abortion -- that they say plague Texas.

• 

  Texas Gov. Rick Perry says Predator drones should patrol Texas border

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry called for the use of unarmed Predator drones to patrol the Texas-Mexico border on Monday as he tried to shore up his border security credentials in a campaign stop at the Irving Police Association Hall.

• 

  Democratic officeholders backing Eric Johnson to replace Terri Hodge

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Several North Texas elected officials plan to announce their support this morning for Dallas lawyer Eric Johnson, who is seeking the Texas House seat held by Rep. Terri Hodge, D-Dallas.

• 

  High court race draws crowd

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  There are two Republican primary races for Texas Supreme Court seats: a six-person race for an open seat and another that has two Hispanic women running for the seat one of them just took by appointment.

• 

  Texas Nurse to Stand Trial for Reporting Doctor

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  It occurred to Anne Mitchell as she was writing the letter that she might lose her job, which is why she chose not to sign it. But it was beyond her conception that she would be indicted and threatened with 10 years in prison for doing what she knew a nurse must: inform state regulators that a doctor at her rural hospital was practicing bad medicine.

• 

  Amid drug war, Mexico less deadly than decade ago

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Decapitated bodies dumped on the streets, drug-war shootings and regular attacks on police have obscured a significant fact: A falling homicide rate means people in Mexico are less likely to die violently now than they were more than a decade ago.

• Emergency notification database barely being used

  Waco Tribune-Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Less than 1 percent of area residents have added a cell phone number or e-mail address to a local database designed to alert people about emergencies.

• 

  GOP mail out may be confused with census

  San Angelo Standard-Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Democrats, national media and U.S. Census Bureau officials have been up in arms over a Republican National Committee mail out some say can be easily mistaken for an official U.S. Census Bureau questionnaire.

• 

  Hutchison finds senatorial skills mixed blessing in governor race

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Rarely do Texas senators try to trade in their Capitol Hill clout to become governor of the Lone Star State.

• 

  Palin backs Perry in Cypress, ‘won’t close door’ on 2012

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican Party's reigning rock star, parachuted into suburban Houston on Super Bowl Sunday, where she tied her trademark anti-Washington message to the re-election of a Texas governor who's locked in an increasingly bitter primary contest with a longtime U.S. senator.

• 

  Hair-care magnate wants to be state's 'Mr. Governor'

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Farouk Shami likes to start his day meditating in a pool.

• 

  Palin stumps for Perry at Houston rally

  Abilene Reporter News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin stumped for Gov. Rick Perry at a rally Sunday in suburban Houston, adding some national Republican star power to Perry’s re-election campaign.

• 

  Palin brings out crowd for Perry rally near Houston

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  On Super Bowl Sunday, Rick Perry handed the ball to star runner Sarah Palin, who joined the governor's team in bashing big-spending Washington.

• 

  Challengers counter Chávez re-election bid

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  State Rep. Norma Chávez wants her re-election campaign to be about her public service, her legislative victories and her 13 years in the state House.

• 

  Gubernatorial race: Border crucial for White, Shami during primary

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former Houston Mayor Bill White speaks Spanish and ran one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Texas.

• 

  Shami's allegations of racism cause uproar in Texas governor's race

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Farouk Shami and his campaign have in recent weeks accused his opponent, the media and fellow Democrats of racism, raising not only a slew of denials but questions about whether Shami is overplaying the race card.

• 

  Dallas' Caraway endorses Shami for Texas governor

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway is backing Farouk Shami, the deep-pocketed underdog Democrat, for governor.

• 

  Analysis: ‘Tea Party' is democracy at work

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  First, the independent Ross Perot contingent. Then, the liberal “netroots” mobilization. Now, the conservative “tea party” coalition.

• 

  Palin campaigns for Perry

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  In at least one place in America, the Super Bowl wasn’t the biggest show in town Sunday, as Sarah Palin swooped into the Houston area to campaign for Texas Gov. Rick Perry against his primary challenger, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

• 

  In governor's race, top Democratic contenders get to be in limelight tonight

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  After two debates featuring the three Republican gubernatorial candidates, the two front-runners for the Democratic nomination -- former Houston Mayor Bill White and hair-care millionaire Farouk Shami -- get their turn tonight on statewide television.

• 

  Analysis: Facing cuts, NASA must take next giant step

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  . With yet another of the agency's programs threatening to careen out of control and trample a string of meaningless target dates, President Barack Obama stepped in last week and pulled the plug. Gone in toto is the Constellation program, the goal of which was to send America back to the moon and lay the groundwork for more ambitious efforts.

• 

  White, Shami bash Perry on education

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Democrats say the Republican incumbent has let down the state's public schools, so when White and Shami clash tonight in their first and probably only televised debate of the primary campaign, expect the air to fill with education-speak – phrases such as "pre-K" and "catch-up programs."

• 

  Medina tax swap proposal comes at a cost

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Critics say eliminating all property taxes would reduce local control.

• 

  Palin fires up thousands for Perry

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin fired up a crowd of thousands in this heavily Republican Houston suburb Sunday, urging them to send a message to Washington by supporting Gov. Rick Perry over U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in next month's GOP primary.

• 

  Hutchison said her children were “the game-changer” for her life

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  She wanted to practice law. Instead, she became a television reporter, then one of the people reporters cover.

• 

  Duel Over Gun Safety in Texas Capitol

  Wall Street Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Lawmakers in firearm-friendly Texas are embroiled in a debate over how to make the state Capitol safer: get rid of guns or encourage even more.

• 

  Palin stumps for TX Gov. Perry in suburban Houston

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin stumped for Gov. Rick Perry at a rally Sunday in suburban Houston, adding some national Republican star power to Perry's re-election campaign.

• 

  Political opponents debate, share some laughs

  Seguin Gazette-Enterprise | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Edmund Kuempel may be willing to go to great lengths for his constituents, but he doesn’t want to die in their service — not again.

• 

  With Federal Stimulus Money Gone, Many Schools Face Budget Gaps

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Federal stimulus money has helped avoid drastic cuts at public schools in most parts of the nation, at least so far. But with the federal money running out, many of the nation’s schools are approaching what officials are calling a “funding cliff.”

• 

  Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls to debate

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Two major Democratic candidates for governor meet in Fort Worth Monday night for what likely will be their only statewide televised debate before the March 2 primary.

• 

  Big Crowd at Rick Perry-Sarah Palin rally

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  About 15,000 people formed a line that snaked around the Berry Center in Cypress, just northwest of Houston. They've come an hour early on Super Bowl Sunday to grab tickets and see the vice presidential nominee, and oh yes, Rick Perry.

• 

  Palin stumps for TX Gov. Perry in suburban Houston

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin stumped for Gov. Rick Perry at a rally Sunday in suburban Houston, adding some national Republican star power to Perry's re-election campaign.

• 

  Even GOP conservative Ron Paul draws Tea Party opposition

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Even anti-government icon Ron Paul can't escape the conservative "Tea Party" fervor stretching across the county.

• 

  Wentworth eyeing Texas State job, Larson eyeing his

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sounding a little annoyed, Jeff Wentworth tosses out the names of a half-dozen Republicans who covet the Texas Senate seat he's held since 1993.

• 

  Gubernatorial race: Border crucial for White, Shami during primary

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Former Houston Mayor Bill White speaks Spanish and ran one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Texas. Hair-care magnate Farouk Shami argues that his life story of immigrating to the United States from Palestine with only $71 in his pocket makes him more qualified to respond to the needs of the Hispanic community as the next leader of Texas.

• 

  Event's collapse exposes tea party rifts in S.A.

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Members of San Antonio Tea Party wanted to have a big Tax Day protest last April, but they couldn't decide where to stage it.

• 

  Medina supporters sing her praises

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Let’s see Gov. Rick Perry’s campaign manager, Rob Johnson, or U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison’s campaign manager, Terry Sullivan, try this.

• 

  ‘Retarded’ remarks still contentious

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Just in time for former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s Super Bowl Sunday appearance with Gov. Rick Perry, there was a bit of a dustup over some remarks by Perry’s chief consultant, Dave Carney.

• 

  The closest these ag. commissioner candidates will get to a debate

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  It was a surprisingly civil meeting considering one candidate didn't know another would be there and the other showed up late.

• 

  Redistricting needs explaining

  Amarillo Globe-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Walter "Four" Price and Victor Leal are raising money in their Republican primary battle for the Texas House seat being vacated by longtime lawmaker David Swinford, R-Dumas.

• 

  Medina backer sets off money 'bombs'

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Haltom City Councilman Anthony Reed said he pulled in over $75,000 in campaign contributions Tuesday, but the cash isn't for him.

• 

  Director: EPA has eyes on drilling

  Denton Record-Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Federal environmental officials are scrutinizing oil and gas operations in Texas and around the country, with new rules for the industry coming in about 18 to 24 months, according to the new EPA Region 6 director.

• 

  Social issues drive education race

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Ken Mercer and Tim Tuggey have a lot in common.

• 

  Rancher, musician vie for ag commissioner

  New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Who will be the next statewide advocate for consumers and producers in Texas?

• 

  Days filled with potty talk, heels and candidates who do know beans

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Candidates, as perchance you've noticed, say the darndest things. Today, let's enjoy some of the darnder things we've heard in our endorsement interviews.

• 

  Hutchison brings grown-up approach to working on behalf of Texans and gets endorsement in GOP race

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Kay Bailey Hutchison might not be the flashiest or the most beloved politician Texas has ever produced, but it's a mistake to discount or denigrate her accomplishments and record.

• 

  Perry's brazen abuse of power

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  When the going was about to get tough for Gov. Rick Perry at the Texas Forensic Science Commission last fall, Perry sacked three commission members, including its chairman. The commission — created by the Legislature in 2005 to set standards for forensic analysis and investigate allegations of negligence or misconduct — was at long last about to consider the case of Todd Willingham.

• 

  Tea Party Looks to Move From Fringe to Force

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Yes, there were the handful of Revolutionary War re-enactors with their powdered wigs and tri-corner hats. And the man with the T-shirt proclaiming himself a proud member of the “Tennessee MOB” — a poke at politicians who dismissed Tea Party members as an “angry mob.” And one speaker did insist that Jesus’ birth was better documented than President Obama’s.

• 

  Another GOP Senator Supports Gas Tax Increase

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Greenville's Bob Deuell told members of our editorial board this week that he would support a one-time boost of 10 cents a gallon in the motor fuels tax -- the same increase that Republican John Carona of Dallas has called for.

• 

  Off track: Where does Texas’ bid for high-speed rail stand now?

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  If you've ever wondered what the price of noisy partisanship among our state leaders is for average Texans, here's an educated guess: billions of dollars lost. And that's just the cost of missing out on federal funding for a single, albeit massive project.

• 

  Kinky: Who would watch us debate?

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Earlier this week, KRLD radio in Dallas provided the closest thing to a debate between Democratic agriculture commissioner candidates Hank Gilbert and Kinky Friedman.

• 

  Budget shortfall looms large over governor's race

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Regardless of the outcome of the 2010 elections, whoever winds up in the governor's office next year will confront a monumental task as lawmakers strive to overcome a projected budget shortfall of at least $10 billion in a struggling economy.

• 

  Three Democrats running small campaigns for big state job

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  As the midday crowd begins to churn at Arkie's Grill, a landmark East Austin diner where the city's power crowd and working Bubbas lunch, Ron Halman, 61, chuckles about the state of Texas politics.

• 

  Hutchison Makes Palin an Issue in TX

  TIME | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Austin, TX – Rick Perry said former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is his “type of committed conservative,” but is Rick Perry really Palin's type of governor?

• 

  Hutchison campaign aims to rally GOP sisterhood

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Kay Bailey Hutchison is counting on female voters to recognize her history of cracking glass ceilings as the first Republican woman in the state Legislature, as state treasurer, as a U.S. senator from Texas and, just maybe, as governor.

• 

  Shami's allegations of racism cause uproar in Texas governor's race

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Farouk Shami and his campaign have in recent weeks accused his opponent, the media and fellow Democrats of racism, raising not only a slew of denials but questions about whether Shami is overplaying the race card.

• 

  State lawmakers can't address voters' every concern

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Lubbock accountant Charles Perry, who is challenging state Rep. Delwin Jones in the March 2 Republican primary, says - if elected to represent Texas House District 83 - the fight against illegal immigration would be one of his priorities.

• 

  Dallas County commissioners seek Texas attorney general's opinion in dispute with DA

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The dispute between Dallas County commissioners and District Attorney Craig Watkins over who should represent them in lawsuits could be decided by the Texas attorney general.

• 

  University of Texas campuses propose tuition increases over next two years

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Tuition at some campuses in the University of Texas System is expected to jump again this fall as the universities face a mix of economic pressures, from historic declines in endowments to possible state budget cuts.

• 

  Hensarling takes another shot at deficit in GOP address

  The Hill | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Republican lawmaker who sparred with President Barack Obama about budget deficits last weekend doubled down on his claims in this week’s Republican address.

• 

  Several hopefuls competing for SBOE 5 Democratic nomination

  Community Impact | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Four Democrats are vying for the Texas State Board of Education District 5 seat, currently held by incumbent Ken Mercer (R-San Antonio). Rebecca Bell-Metereau, Robert Bohmfalk, Daniel Boone and Josiah James Ingalls each hopes to challenge Mercer in the general election.

• 

  Medina says race all about principles — and she’ll win

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Although badly trailing the two marquee names in polling for the Republican gubernatorial primary, Debra Medina said Friday she is confident she will outpoll Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison on Election Day.

• 

  Two-year colleges struggle with budget cuts

  Abilene Reporter News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The president of Ranger College is asking that the state’s two-year colleges be exempt from a request that all state agencies cut their budgets by 5 percent.

• 

  The Mayor & The Mogul

  Texas Observer | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  On Dec. 4, the day that three-term Houston mayor Bill White jumped into the race for governor, many Texas Democrats started dreaming big.

• 

  E-mails detail Todd Palin's role in Alaska decision-making

  Washington Post | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  During the 2 1/2 years that his wife, Sarah, was governor of Alaska and then a vice presidential candidate, Todd Palin inserted himself into a host of state decisions, including judicial nominations and gas pipeline bids, according to e-mails released Friday.

• 

  The Tea Party is still taking shape

  Washington Post | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The 600 delegates at the National Tea Party Convention feel taxed to death, ignored by their elected representatives and the media, and appalled at the federal government's spending -- and there are millions of Americans just like them.

• 

  Sarah Palin Is Vocal and Ready, but for What?

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Without leaving home, Sarah Palin will be able to reach much of her political base, courtesy of a soon-to-be-built television studio in her living room paid for by her newest media patron, Fox News. From her house in Wasilla, Alaska, Ms. Palin also sends missives to 1.3 million Facebook “fans,” writes newspaper columns, Tweets and signs copies of her book for donors.

• 

  Tea Party Advocates Open Nashville Convention

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  As they opened their inaugural national convention here, Tea Party advocates from across the country declared that they would turn the grass-roots anger that burst onto the streets a year ago into real political power, wielding money and campaign infrastructure as well as sheer energy.

• 

  Hutchison trying to rally GOP sisterhood

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Kay Bailey Hutchison is counting on female voters to recognize her history of cracking glass ceilings as the first Republican woman in the state Legislature, as state treasurer, as a U.S. senator from Texas and, just maybe, as governor.

• 

  Dallas County commissioners seek Texas AG's opinion in dispute with DA

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The dispute between Dallas County commissioners and District Attorney Craig Watkins over who should represent them in lawsuits could be decided by the Texas attorney general.

• 

  Fundraising deal for higher ed chief raises concerns

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Raymund Paredes earns $180,000 as commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. A related nonprofit group pays him $40,000 more a year to raise funds.

• 

  UT System told to prepare for rising enrollment amid cutbacks

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Prepare for a tight state budget and possible cutbacks. Don't raise tuition too much. And, by the way, enrollment is rising dramatically.

• 

  Federal judge questions immigration prosecutions

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  In an order filed Friday, a federal judge in Austin questioned U.S. prosecutors for seeking criminal convictions in court against some illegal immigrants, writing that the practice "presents a cost to the American taxpayer ... that is neither meritorious nor reasonable."

• 

  UT officials: Money saved from Cactus closing would go for raises

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A plan to shut down the Cactus Cafe and a program of informal classes at the University of Texas was triggered by a directive from top school officials to trim spending by 2 percent and to use the savings for raises.

• 

  John Cornyn: No thanks to President Obama Q & A

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  “We’re always happy to hear from the president but I don’t really feel any compelling need to do it [on camera],” Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the Republicans' chief campaign strategist, told POLITICO.

• 

  Suit challenges law allowing college aid to undocumented students

  McAllen Monitor | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  For Carmen, as for many people, a college degree represents an opportunity for a better future. But her future is far more difficult to ascertain than it is for most U.S. college students.

• 

  Cars with better mileage will dry up gas tax revenue, planners fear

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Cars are getting better gas mileage, which reduces the impact on the environment and the amount people spend at the pump.

• 

  7 state landmarks on group's endangered list

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas' most endangered historic places include a former county jail, a drive-in theater and a swimming pool, a preservation group said Thursday.

• 

  Number of cases of autism is up

  Abilene Reporter News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The number of students with autism among schools served by the Region 14 Educational Service Center is on the rise, jumping from 58 in 2002 to 199 in 2009.

• 

  Fort Worth ponders a fee to cover road repairs from gas drillers

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  City officials may start taking a stronger stance in dealing with the truck traffic tied to the natural gas industry, including levying an across-the-board fee on gas companies that use -- and sometimes damage -- city streets.

• 

  Care at immigrant facilities falls short

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Luis Dubegel-Paez, a 60-year-old Cuban immigrant, lay on the floor of Rolling Plains Detention Center with no pulse, his face flushed, his pupils dilated.

• 

  From a government office, a tweet that said too much

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Tarrant County emergency management office warned residents Thursday morning about an impending threat.

• 

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate calls ad racist

  Associated Press | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A hair-care magnate running for the Texas Democratic gubernatorial nomination said the ads from his opponent take a backhanded swipe at his ethnic roots.

• 

  Gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami visits Brownsville

  Brownsville Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Yolanda Salinas, of Laredo, remembered going to a little hair salon in Houston to take a course from a hairdresser named Farouk Shami who had developed hair-coloring systems without ammonia.

• 

  Candidate trying to unseat Hall says he's waiting to funnel cash

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Congressional candidate Jerry Ray Hall boasts of ponying up $500,000 of his own money to defeat longtime incumbent Rep. Ralph Hall in March's Republican primary.

• 

  Sarah Palin miffed at Rick Perry aide's use of 'retarded' as a slur

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  On the eve of a campaign appearance in Texas for Rick Perry, Sarah Palin served notice that she’s not happy the governor's top political adviser used the word “retarded” to describe campaign logistics.

• 

  Hutchison's lobbyist ties could hurt attack strategy

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has blasted Gov. Rick Perry in recent debates and television ads as driven by the desires of lobbyists, but at least 23 former Hutchison aides have gone onto lucrative lobbying careers in Washington, according to Senate records.

• 

  Court orders care for municipal judge

  Brownsville Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A Brownsville municipal judge was committed to a mental health center in Harlingen Thursday morning, less than two weeks after he was ordered released from a mandatory stay at another psychiatric facility.

• 

  State judge guilty on three charges

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Stoic and seemingly more concerned about his family than himself, state judge Manuel Barraza politely sat and listened Thursday as jurors found him guilty of devising a scheme to receive sex and money for a judicial ruling.

• 

  Stop Planned Parenthood director says perseverance, prayer needed to combat abortion

  Midland Reporter-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The National Director of Stop Planned Parenthood while in Midland Thursday said it takes sacrifice and guidance from the holy spirit to combat abortion on a daily basis.

• Another tax lien filed against Waco state Rep. Anderson

  Waco Tribune-Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  About a month after filing a $58,000 tax lien against state Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson, R-Waco, for unpaid personal income taxes, the Internal Revenue Service took further action against the veterinarian for failing to pay taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks for the final two quarters of 2008.

• 

  UT System plan would ease spending cuts

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Instead of the campuses collectively having to trim $175 million in spending, they would only have to cut $134 million, or 3.7 percent, under the plan to be submitted to state leaders later this month. The remaining $41 million in spending reductions would be covered by reducing debt payments for campus construction projects, said Scott Kelley, the system’s executive vice chancellor for business affairs.

• 

  Coats lobbied for Texas-based Chavez-connected oil company

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Former U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, who is likely to challenge Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) this fall, lobbied for a Texas-based oil and gas company that partnered with Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez, according to Senate lobbying disclosure forms.

• 

  Use of slur 'retarded' spills over into Texas governor's race

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's public criticism of White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel's use of the word retarded has spilled over into the Texas governor's race.

• 

  Democratic gov hopeful Shami accuses White of 'racist' ads

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A Houston hair-care magnate running for the Texas Democratic gubernatorial nomination says ads from his opponent take a backhanded swipe at his ethnic roots.

• 

  Fighting for re-election, Perry stays true to GOP's ideals

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry in his unprecedented nine years in office proved time and again that he is a team player: team Republican.

• 

  Kay Bailey Hutchison's ties to lobbyists could compromise her attack strategy

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has blasted Gov. Rick Perry in recent debates and television ads as driven by the desires of lobbyists, but at least 23 former Hutchison aides have gone onto lucrative lobbying careers in Washington, according to Senate records.

• 

  State Rep. Patrick Rose faces first Democratic primary challenge

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  For 2010, however, Rose faces a first in his political career: an opponent in the Democratic primary, the winner of which will face Republican businessman Jason Isaac in the November election.

• 

  Perry proposes tying driver's licenses to progress in school

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Like much of the rest of the nation, Texas has gotten tougher on teen drivers in recent years making them prove they are staying in school, restricting their late-night trips and limiting how many other kids they can have in their cars. Now, Gov. Rick Perry says he wants to bump up the requirements to reduce the number of high-school dropouts in Texas.

• 

  Manuel Barraza found guilty of three corruption charges

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  After 30 years as a successful defense lawyer, Manuel Barraza lasted only three months as a judge before his career disintegrated in scandal.

• 

  Drug cartels co-opt rehab for recruits

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  Mexico's powerful drug cartels have been operating drug rehabilitation clinics, turning some into bloody killing fields and forcing recovering addicts into their ranks of hit men and smugglers.

• 

  Sarah Palin miffed at Rick Perry aide's use of 'retarded' as a slur

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  On the eve of a campaign appearance in Texas for Rick Perry, Sarah Palin served notice that she’s not happy the governor's top political adviser used the word “retarded” to describe campaign logistics.

• 

  A&M considering job cuts in answer to state calls to slash budgets

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Eagle reports today that Texas A&M University officials are considering scrapping merit raises in 2011 and laying off staff to meet a mandate by state leaders to find 5 percent in budget cuts.

• 

  Second Federal Tax Lien filed against Doc Anderson

  KXXV-TV | 7 months ago | suggested by Elise Hu

  State Representative Charles "Doc" Anderson has another federal tax lien filed against him. This is the second federal tax lien in two months. A tax lien for $58,122.40 was filed in the McLennan County Clerk's office December 21, 2009.

• 

  Palin: Perry adviser "disrespectful"

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Sarah Palin might be coming to Texas this weekend to campaign for Rick Perry, but she's not happy with the governor's chief political adviser for his choice of words during a conference call.

• 

  Hutchison homecoming is rough sailing

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Rarely do Texas senators try to trade in their Capitol Hill clout to become governor of the Lone Star State.

• 

  In the War of Attrition Waged by the Texas Attorney General Against Robert O'Donnell, There Were Unintended Consequences

  Dallas Observer | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Robert O'Donnell stands rigidly in the courthouse hallway, his arms folded across his chest, trying to keep his rage in check. Like some Americans, O'Donnell is fed up with big government, but his simmering anger has nothing to do with Wall Street bailouts or health-care plans. After more than six years of squabbling and litigation, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in Texas ran his child support collection company out of business, and if that wasn't enough, today, its attorneys are trying to toss him in jail.

• Ron Paul On The Tea Party Phenomenon

  National Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In 2008, independents frustrated with establishment politics found a hero in Texas Republican Ron Paul. Warning voters about the dangers of an overstretched and overcommitted government, Paul provided today's Tea Partiers with a blueprint for grassroots success.

• 

  Spending federal money is nothing to be ashamed of

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  It's easy for Texas politicos to rail against Washington, willfully ignoring that federal spending has been saving our bacon.

• 

  Ethics commission fines state Reps. Abel Herrero, Phil King, five others

  Texas Watchdog | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Texas Ethics Commission fined state Rep. Abel Herrero $2,800 for improperly reporting his political spending in filings made between 2006 and 2008.

• 

  Hutchison takes 2nd place in poll on wasteful spending

  Abilene Reporter News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A nonprofit watchdog group this week announced that Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison won second place in its “Porker of the Year” contest for federal projects the group labeled pork-barrel spending.

• 

  Experts predict tough road for Hutchison amid sagging poll numbers

  KVUE-TV | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  For months, polls have shown Gov. Rick Perry's lead over Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison widening in the GOP gubernatorial primary race.

• 

  Dallas lawmaker pleads guilty, agrees to resign

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  State Rep. Terri Hodge, D-Dallas , ended her re-election campaign and pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges stemming from a widespread influence-peddling investigation at Dallas City Hall.

• 

  State lawmaker pleads guilty in corruption case

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  State Rep. Terri Hodge pleaded guilty Wednesday to fraud and making false statements on an income tax return in connection with a bribery scheme involving Dallas city officials and developers.

• 

  Hodge's name to remain on ballot

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Terri Hodge's guilty plea on Wednesday stunned friends and foes, while adding a new player to the political landscape in southern Dallas.

• 

  Medina has fundamentally changed GOP race for governor

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  This isn't the governor's race we thought we were going to get.

• 

  McCaul pushes cybersecurity bill in Congress

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Congress debated a measure Wednesday that was designed to address weaknesses in the nation's computer security.

• 

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison lines up education first in campaign priorities

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison called education the top priority in her bid to become Texas governor while at a campaign stop in El Paso on Wednesday.

• 

  Transportation chief: Texas failed to get rail money

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood blamed Texas officials Wednesday for the state's failure to win federal aid for a high-speed rail system linking its major cities.

• 

  Mourners bury Juarez massacre victims

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Nearly 1,000 mourners braved a driving rain Wednesday to bury many of the 12 teenage students and three family men whose massacre Sunday stunned Mexico and even this violence-jaded city.

• 

  Houston won't be hosting 2012 GOP convention

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  OK, Houston, put the fine china back in the hutch; stack the new guest towels on the top shelf of the linen closet. The Republicans are not coming to Houston — not, at least, in 2012.

• 

  UTEP bucks donation trend

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The University of Texas at El Paso is bucking a national trend in which universities saw a dramatic decline in donations by having a sizable increase.

• 

  1 in 5 in S.A. got emergency food aid

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The largest study ever of hunger in America found that last year, 37 million people — or one in eight — regularly received food assistance through food banks, food pantries, soup lines or shelters.

• 

  Bus companies accused of immigrant smuggling

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Federal agents, vowing to continue cracking down on smuggling organizations' transportation networks, have targeted more than a dozen local bus companies they say shuttled scores of unauthorized immigrants across the United States.

• 

  Former Dallas mayor takes travel break, talks up 'smart trade' in D.C.

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sometime before Christmas, Ron Kirk realized he had just circled the globe twice in a month pitching the Obama trade agenda: Singapore, India, China, home for Thanksgiving, back to Singapore, back to China.

• 

  Palin aide: Perry adviser’s remark ‘crude’ and ‘disrespectful’

  CNN | 7 months ago | suggested by Reeve Hamilton

  Sarah Palin is criticizing a Rick Perry campaign adviser accused of using the word "retarded" - but she isn't demanding that the aide be fired.

• 

  Hodge's guilty plea clears way for challenger Eric Johnson

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Terri Hodge’s guilty plea on Tuesday stunned friends and foes, while adding a new player to the political landscape in southern Dallas.

• 

  State Rep. Terri Hodge pleads guilty over bribe

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  State Rep. Terri Hodge pleaded guilty today and agreed to resign from office for participating in a bribery scheme involving Dallas city officials and a developer of apartment complexes.

• 

  Hutchison's record is 2-edged sword in governor's race

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Rarely do Texas senators try to trade in their Capitol Hill clout to become governor of the Lone Star State. Sam Houston made the switch in 1859. Sen. Price Daniel did it in 1957. That's the entire list. Half a century later, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is hoping to follow in the footsteps of those two Texas legends.

• 

  White trailing all Republicans for governor

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Former Houston Mayor Bill White may be trailing all three Republican candidates for governor in a new survey, but a top Democratic consultant said it shows him as well-positioned to start the general election.

• 

  No answer to Judge Keller's findings this week

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The deadline for responses to District Judge David Berchelmann Jr.’s findings in the Sharon Keller case, originally due Thursday, has been pushed back to Feb. 17.

• 

  U.S. Rep. Joe Barton's gas well stake raises ethical questions

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Rep. Joe Barton has earned nearly $100,000 from an interest in natural gas wells that he purchased from a longtime campaign donor who also advised the congressman on energy policy, according to interviews and records.

• 

  Medina may be spoiler in GOP race

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  By 11 o'clock on a recent Saturday, Ron McLain had the “Texans for Liberty” hot dogs boiling and John Wheeler was helping haul folding chairs to the parking lot of Debra Medina's campaign headquarters in Corpus Christi.

• 

  Weak H1N1 vaccine delivered to Texas

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Some of the swine flu vaccine recalled this week after it was found to be weaker than expected was shipped to Texas, but state health officials don't yet know how much — or if any — made its way to Bexar County.

• 

  Brady way up in District 83 funding tally

  Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Once again, Lubbock attorney Zach Brady is far ahead in the money race in Texas House District 83.

• 

  Student sets eyes on Texas House

  Abilene Reporter News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Bryce Stash isn’t your typical McMurry University student.

• 

  Perry calls Hutchison big spender; she says he's too cozy with lobbyists

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Rick Perry and Kay Bailey Hutchison sparred Tuesday over who can best move Texas forward.

• 

  Casey: A win for Bradley, and another loss

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  ohn Bradley, the controversial district attorney appointed by Gov. Rick Perry last fall to head the Texas Forensic Science Commission, did score one victory in Harlingen on Friday while presiding over his first meeting.

• 

  Far from slick, White sticks to getting things done

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  There is not an ounce of movie star in Bill White, not in the name or in his stage presence. He is a wonkish guy with big ears and baggy clothes who looks subdued even when he's in enthusiastic mode.

• 

  White's career incorporates law, business and politics

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  With Harris County refineries generating record profits in 2006, then-Houston Mayor Bill White invited oil company executives into his office for candid discussions about the future.

• 

  Texas comptroller: Budget shortfall outlook overblown

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Texas Comptroller Susan Combs says she’s not buying into predictions of a state fiscal meltdown – yet.

• 

  Report: Terri Hodge to resign

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Word is that Dallas state Rep. Terri Hodge will quit her reelection race in the wake of federal bribery charges. Quorum Report is reporting that Hodge will plea to one count this morning and announce she's leaving the House. That clears the way for Democratic primary opponent Dallas lawyer Eric Johnson to succeed her in the Legislature.

• 

  Hutchison runner-up for 'Porker of the Year'

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Lunch at Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's campaign office in Austin was on the tab of rival Rick Perry's campaign Tuesday.

• 

  Medina 'phenomenon' catching on in state political circles

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  By 11 o'clock on a recent Saturday morning, Ron McLain had the “Texans for Liberty” hot dogs boiling in a pot, and John Wheeler was helping haul folding chairs out to the parking lot of the Medina for Texas Governor headquarters in suburban Corpus Christi.

• 

  Hunger study finds 1 in 8 residents aided by Tarrant Area Food Bank in early 2009

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  More Tarrant County-area families struggled to put food on the table as the economic downturn took hold in North Texas last year, according to a hunger study released Tuesday.

• 

  Perry widens lead over Hutchison in latest GOP poll

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Gov. Rick Perry holds a 15-point lead over U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in the race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, while Tea Party activist Debra Medina is continuing to gain ground and may be wresting support from Hutchison, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports poll.

• 

  Dems slam Hensarling on Social Security

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Democrats are hoping to make the GOP pay for Jeb Hensarling's brief sojourn onto ye olde political third rail (health care's the new one) -- privatizing Social Security.

• 

  Colleges across state, nation report steep drop in donations

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Donations to colleges and universities tumbled a record 11.9 percent last year, a national survey found – a clear sign that the recession has battered campuses and their supporters.

• 

  U.S. aid unlikely to fill Texas' expected budget gap

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas could face a $16 billion shortfall in its next two-year budget. The federal spending plan the White House laid out on Monday probably won't make a dent in that – though Texas and other cash-strapped states could get help later this year.

• 

  Houston could prove vital to choosing next governor

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Whether the next governor is a Democrat or a Republican, the greater Houston area will play a major role in deciding that outcome.

• 

  White comes by his geek credentials honestly

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In January 1975, a Harvard University junior from Texas named Bill White left school for the semester to work for a newly elected congressman from New Braunfels.

• 

  Fight over Houston's air hovers over new smog limit

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The latest front in the fight over Houston's air is a newly proposed federal limit for smog, with government officials, environmentalists and industry representatives at odds over more than a few molecules' difference in the standard.

• 

  Gubernatorial hopeful Bill White says he sees signs of change in Fort Worth

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Bill White, a Democrat running for governor, opened an office Monday in staunchly Republican Fort Worth, saying he thinks people across the state are tired of partisanship and declaring himself unworried about the possibility of a runoff in the primary.

• 

  Small donors driving Medina campaign

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  While Debra Medina’s campaign fund-raising cannot compete with the big-money machines of her Republican primary competitors, she has smoked them over the past month in terms of contributions from small donors.

• 

  Texas tells lotto watchdog to give up Web sites

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Texas Lottery Commission has had a law firm send letters telling lotto watchdog Dawn Nettles and others to turn over their Web site names to the state agency.

• 

  MALDEF blasts Perry's inaction on census, forms Latino count committee

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  More than 37 states have formed complete count committees to spread the word that filling out the 2010 census questionnaire is important, easy and safe. But Texas is not among them, spurring a Latino civil rights organization to accuse Gov. Rick Perry of failing to support the U.S. Census.

• 

  Opponents of partner benefits to begin second petition drive

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A group of about 10 opponents to giving gay and unmarried heterosexual partners of city employees health benefits vowed to fight on

• 

  Texas risks mediocrity without new governor, Hutchison tells Dallas Republican women

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison said today that Texas needs a new governor or it risks slipping into mediocrity.

• 

  Mayor: state of the city is strong

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Austin is faring better than other large cities and is poised to emerge strong from the recession, Mayor Lee Leffingwell said in his annual “state of the city” address today.

• 

  Election 2010: Texas Republican Primary for Governor

  Rasmussen Reports | 7 months ago | suggested by Elise Hu

  Incumbent Rick Perry's lead over Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has grown a little bigger in the race for this year's Republican gubernatorial nomination in Texas. Tea Party activist Debra Medina also has gained ground, and her gains appear to come at the expense of Hutchison.

• 

  Perry, Hutchison dominate big Tarrant County donations

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison have dominated high-dollar campaign donations from Tarrant County during the last half of 2009 as they campaigned for governor, collecting more than half a million dollars from local families.

• 

  Dozens of D-FW area officials are Super Bowl bound

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Elise Hu

  The Dallas Cowboys didn't reach the Super Bowl this year, but dozens of government officials from North Texas will make the trip to Florida. About 50 city employees and elected officials are flying to the Miami area this week for the last Super Bowl before the nation's biggest sporting event comes to Arlington.

• 

  Obama beefs up border security in 2011 budget

  San Francisco Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  The Department of Homeland Security unveiled a $56.3 billion budget Monday that includes funding for the virtual border fence, E-Verify, and an increase in the number of border patrol officers and intelligence analysts along the southern border.

• 

  Hutchison blasts Perry as arrogant, out of touch

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison blasted Gov. Rick Perry Monday as a “hard-right, harsh person” and called his refusal to seek endorsements from Texas newspapers a symptom of a leader who's been in office too long.

• 

  Legislators debate road funding

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Texas lawmakers on Monday hammered home that without a new funding method, the Texas Department of Transportation will be unable to build any new roads beyond 2012 and will not have enough money to properly maintain existing roads within two to three years.

• 

  Out-of-district tuition proposed

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In a radical move to both cut costs and save a popular magnet program, North East Independent School District leaders are considering charging $6,600 in annual tuition for out-of-district students who attend the North East School of the Arts.

• 

  Budget includes millions for S.A. bases

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  President Barack Obama released Monday a $3.8 trillion budget that includes millions in construction spending at South Texas military installations and more resources to strengthen U.S.-Mexico border security.

• 

  Judge rules SAWS can't sue over water deal

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The San Antonio Water System lost a crucial ruling Monday in a $1.23 billion lawsuit it filed against the Lower Colorado River Authority.

• Anti-Abortion Groups Claim Hutchison Distorting Her Record

  KERA Dallas | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Some anti-abortion groups say Kay Bailey Hutchison has a pro-choice record position on abortion she is trying to cover up. They claim her explanation in a second debate doesn't change that and the issue will cost her valuable republican support.

• 

  William McKenzie: Some words to the wise on our debt

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  David Walker is not your typical holy roller. Bald, bespectacled baby boomers don't make passionate preachers. Nothin' agin' 'em; I'm a bald, bespectacled baby boomer, myself. We don't bring the house down.

• 

  JSC receives vote of confidence

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Top NASA officials claimed Monday that Houston's Johnson Space Center will remain at the heart of manned space operations for the coming decade despite the President's proposal to kill the agency's marquee program to return astronauts to the moon.

• 

  Forensic panel slow to embark on mission

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  We're on the record in favor of the Texas Forensic Science Commission getting its house in order and coming up with necessary rules and procedures before moving forward with its weighty task of reviewing the use of forensic analysis in criminal cases. We just didn't think it would take quite this long.

• 

  Houston could prove vital to choosing next governor

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Whether the next governor is a Democrat or a Republican, the greater Houston area will play a major role in deciding that outcome.

• 

  Shami overcame personal, professional obstacles early in life

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  When Farouk Shami's parents learned that he was training to become a hairdresser, they threatened to disown him.

• 

  Heflin: Texas can end the property tax

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  If you're a homeowner in Texas, hopefully you've already paid your property taxes. Miss today's deadline, and what was already a hefty and growing tax bill will become even larger.

• 

  Obama talks civility, then gets into spat with GOP critic

  San Francisco Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Elise Hu

  At the end of a mostly polite question-and-answer session between the president and House Republicans today in Baltimore, Texas Republican Jeb Hensarling ticked off Obama when, rather than asking a question, he launched a partisan soliloquy against government spending and debt.

• 

  Rand Paul claims Palin endorsement

  Politico | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Kentucky Senate candidate Rand Paul claimed Monday that former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin endorsed his insurgent campaign for his party's nomination – even as Paul's Republican opponent raised doubts about the authenticity of the endorsement.

• 

  New green job guidebook unveiled

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  As politicians wrestle with how to create jobs in a hobbled economy, an environmental group has come up with a guide to help people find renewable energy and energy efficiency work.

• 

  Billion-dollar San Antonio suit against LCRA dismissed by judge

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The Lower Colorado River Authority scored a major victory over the San Antonio Water System on Monday when a Travis County district judge threw out a lawsuit against the river authority.

• 

  UT to hold town hall meeting on budget

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The budget for the University of Texas will be the subject at a universitywide town hall meeting scheduled by UT President William Powers Jr. for Tuesday.

• 

  Congressional candidate dies

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  One of the candidates running in the Republican primary for the Congressional seat in District 10 has died.

• Burleson candidate's possible election brings concerns about McLennan County in redistricting

  Waco Tribune-Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Morgan Smith

  For the past 17 years McLennan County has been represented in the Senate by a Wacoan, though the recent decision of Republican state Sen. Kip Averitt to end his re-election bid puts that streak in jeopardy.

• 

  Juárez mayor plans monument to women slain in border city

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  Juárez Mayor Jose Reyes Ferriz said the city is calling on artists nationwide to submit proposals for a monument to memorialize the city's murdered women.

• 

  Hutchison blasts Perry at farm bureau conference

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry’s ill-fated Trans-Texas Corridor was an attempt to “run over” private property rights, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison told a crowd of about 500 farmers and ranchers in San Marcos today.

• 

  Developer says wind power a Texas natural

  Brownsville Herald | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  Ian Hatton, the CEO and founding director of the company that wants to build a wind farm off South Padre Island, says he doesn’t want to force anything down anyone’s throat.

• 

  State housing agency struggled to help needy families, draft report shows

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Brandi Grissom

  Mired in the weak economy, the state's top affordable-housing agency struggled to help growing numbers of needy families find a better place to call home, a new draft report shows

• 

  Texas trying to make high school football safer

  USA Today | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Something was very wrong with Cameron Schlegel.

• 

  Congress draws needed attention to concussions

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Nothing attracts attention like a crying baby in church unless it's a congressional hearing on sports, and it's a toss-up as to which is more annoying.

• 

  The revolt of the scientists

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Friday started badly for John Bradley, the Williamson County district attorney selected last fall by Gov. Rick Perry to ride herd over the troublesome scientists on the Texas Forensic Science Commission.

• 

  Census boss in Laredo to push reporting

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  To prevent another undercount that state officials believe cost Texas $1 billion last decade, Census Director Robert Groves is touring neighborhoods along the U.S.-Mexico border today to map out a better strategy for the count.

• 

  Defunct new car lots go from eye-catching to eyesores

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  An auto dealership in full flower is a wondrous thing. Pennants snapping, inflatable rooftop gorillas waltzing in the wind, sunlight ricocheting off acres of mechanical steeds — the whole gaudy scene strums a mesmerizing tune on the heartstrings of the inner adolescent.

• 

  Juárez gunmen kill 14 at teen's party, stunning a city accustomed to violence

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Even by Juárez's macabre standards, the mass killings Sunday left the city stunned and numbed: 14 people, most of them students, massacred by gunmen who burst into a teen's birthday party.

• 

  Powerball lottery game rolls into Texas with $107 million jackpot

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  The lottery landscape got a little more complicated Sunday with the first day of ticket sales for the multistate Powerball.

• 

  Dewhurst: ID can fix many problems

  San Antonio Express-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst was at the Houston Chronicle editorial board last week seeking an endorsement. At one point, the discussion moved to what he thinks the U.S. Congress should do about border enforcement and immigration

• 

  Judicial Campaign Fairness Act: Contributors are relatively unhindered

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A judge accepts a $17,000 campaign contribution from his son, a low-tier employee in a law office. The amount and the circumstance may raise eyebrows, but the donation is permissible under the law, according to the Texas Ethics Commission.

• 

  Probe of arson execution case is now dormant

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A state panel investigating allegations of misconduct and negligence in forensic analyses that led to a 2004 execution hammered out its procedures Friday, but did not resume its long-delayed investigation of the arson evidence in that case.

• 

  Perry says bad weather and luck helped plot trajectory

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Gov. Rick Perry's life has been shaped by several “supernatural events”— actually weather events, but “very extraordinary, way-out-of-the-realm-of-normal weather phenomena.”

• 

  Latino Congreso ends with resolutions

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  National Latino Congreso delegates voted Sunday on resolutions related to violence in Juárez, Asarco and immigration reform.

• 

  House candidate says he can get Texas 360 done as freeway

  Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  A candidate running for the state House is promising to get the much-delayed Texas 360 extension project completed as a freeway if elected, contradicting local officials who say such a feat is highly unlikely.

• 

  Eye on Austin: Voter support trumps candidate endorsements

  Amarillo Globe-News | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  In late December, when Amarillo restaurant owner Victor Leal officially entered the Texas House District 87 Republican race, he received the formal endorsement of state Rep. Warren Chisum. A few days later, the Leal campaign got an even bigger boost when he received the backing of David Swinford, the retiring legislator he hopes to succeed.

• 

  Gubernatorial candidate Medina woos Midlanders with anti-Washington talk

  Midland Reporter-Telegram | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Pointing out her small town roots and private sector experience, gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina said while in Midland on Saturday, it's time to get rid of career politicians and elect someone who will keep Washington and Austin from further invading Texans' everyday lives.

• 

  Democratic gubernatorial primary candidate Bill White says he'll help El Paso stay safe

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Ross Ramsey

  Democratic gubernatorial primary candidate Bill White said Saturday that if elected, he planned to keep El Paso as one of the safest cities in the nation even though violence rages in Juárez.

• 

  Race for District 20 draws candidates with similar views

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  On a recent rainy night in Sun City Texas, a retirement community where golf cart tracks trace smooth asphalt roads, hundreds of retirees turned out for dinner and a chance to hear from the four Republican candidates vying to become the new state representative for District 20.

• 

  Student-to-teacher ratio may increase: Cash-strapped districts considering bigger class sizes

  El Paso Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  Area schools could expand class size in the coming years as a way to deal with funding shortages, local administrators said.

• 

  Administration Proposals Seek Broad Changes to ‘No Child Left Behind’

  New York Times | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  The Obama administration is proposing a sweeping overhaul of President Bush’s signature education law, No Child Left Behind, and will call for broad changes in how schools are judged to be succeeding or failing, as well as for the elimination of the law’s 2014 deadline for bringing every American child to academic proficiency.

• 

  Kinky Friedman says run for ag chief is serious

  Dallas Morning News | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  If nothing else, Kinky Friedman is making agriculture sexy. The entertainer – characterized by his signature cigar, black hat and wry one-liners – has given the agriculture commissioner race sudden allure. A gubernatorial candidate in 2006 and briefly last year, the author-musician says he's found his niche as a Democratic commissioner candidate.

• 

  Drug-plagued Juarez reeling from massacres of 14

  Houston Chronicle | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  A gangland death squad killed at least 14 people, all but two of them high school students, and wounded as many as 14 others in an attack shortly after midnight Sunday in the bloody border city of Ciudad Juarez.

• 

  Finalist for A&M president a consensus-builder

  Austin American-Statesman | 7 months ago | suggested by Evan Smith

  R. Bowen Loftin gets up every morning at 4:30 and hits Gold's Gym by 5.