The Brief: Jan. 17, 2014

The Big Conversation

Texas will continue to be the big winner in the redistribution of the nation's population westward and southward. And with that go the political spoils.

A new analysis shows Texas gaining six congressional seats by 2060. That would put the Texas delegation to the U.S. House at 42 seats, second only to California's 53 representatives.

The open question is which party in Texas will get the most advantage from the population shift. As was stressed in the court challenges to the most recent electoral maps, the state's growth is concentrated in minority groups, especially among Hispanics. That, writes the Washington Post's Chris Cillizza, points to a state that is "increasingly Democratic in its voting patterns even as it becomes more and more of an electoral behemoth. (That is, of course, unless Republicans can find a way to begin to aggressively compete for Latino voters in the state and nationwide.)"

The Day Ahead

•    Lite guv candidates Jerry Patterson and Todd Staples are scheduled to appear at a candidate forum organized by the Republican Liberty Caucus in Houston.

Today in the Trib

Slap Fight in Governor's Race Over Fundraising: "Nobody expected Republican Greg Abbott and Democrat Wendy Davis to agree on big policy issues. But this week, after releasing their fundraising reports, it became clear they can't agree about how to count, either."

Sheriff and Judge in Battle Over Medical Care in Jail: "An East Texas judge says he should be able to intervene when the jail isn't providing medical care he deems adequate. The county says the judge is overstepping the bounds of his authority."

Talk of Tighter Flounder, Trout Restrictions Questioned: "The suggestion of new restrictions on saltwater fishing has generated heated discussion along the coast — with some claiming that small-time fishermen will be pushed out to make way for richer anglers."

Online Public Records, With a Hint of More to Come: "The University of Texas System is publishing a little bit of public information online in a way that makes it obvious what it ought to do next."

Must-Read

Texas Public Schools Are Teaching Creationism, Salon

Wendy Davis camp touts fundraising haul; Republicans say she hasn’t gained ground, Austin American-Statesman

Kennedy: Experience has its downside for Senate District 10 candidates, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Tea party feeling 'jilted' by Canseco, San Antonio Express-News

Voting rights bill would again force Texas to get federal approval for election changes, The Associated Press

Mayor Parker marries longtime partner, Houston Chronicle

Quote to Note

"I see myself as serving one more term. People advise 'never say never,' but I'm leaner today than when I started in politics. I need to go back and earn some money."

— Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on whether his current bid for re-election would be his last

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Trib Events for the Calendar

•    A Conversation on Our Nation's Future Featuring U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan in San Antonio on 1/23

•    Comptroller candidate Debra Medina at the Austin Club on 1/30 

•    Sen. Leticia Van De Putte, candidate for lieutenant governor, at the Austin Club on 2/6

•    Sen. Kel Seliger and Reps. John Smithee and Four Price at West Texas A&M in Canyon on 2/7

•    Save the date for the 2014 Texas Tribune Festival: 9/19-9/21