Past Contributions

• Empower Texans Pours Big Money Into AG, Lt. Gov. Races

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 8, 2014

  Empower Texans, one of the state's most aggressive conservative advocacy groups, has invested a combined $500,000 in two statewide Republican primary races in the last six months. Full Story 

• Former U.S. Rep. Paul Backs Lt. Gov. Hopeful Patterson

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 8, 2014

  Former Congressman and Republican presidential contender Ron Paul weighed in on the Texas lieutenant governor's race in favor of Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson on Wednesday. Full Story 

• Texans for Education Reform Mobilizes for 2014

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 8, 2014

  A new PAC will allow Texans for Education Reform, which became a lobbying powerhouse during the 2013 legislative session, to put resources toward candidates for office. Full Story 

• Texas Homebuilders Back Dewhurst for Re-election

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 7, 2014

  To go along with news Monday that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst received the endorsements of three major Texas homebuilders organizations, his re-election campaign released a video celebrating his support of low government regulations. Full Story 

• Patrick Knocks Dewhurst for Leaving Finance Chair Empty

  By Morgan Smith Jan. 6, 2014

  Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst fielded an attack Monday from state Sen. Dan Patrick for failing to appoint a new chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, saying the delay has prevented the committee from tackling the work it needs to do before the 2015 legislative session. Full Story 

• Year in Review: Public Education

  By Morgan Smith Dec. 26, 2013

  A new direction for standardized testing, expansion for charter schools, No Child Left Behind jettisoned and the aftermath of a cheating scandal: 2013 was a significant year for Texas public education policy. Full Story 

• Texas Shuttering Campuses at Six Charter Schools

  By Morgan Smith Dec. 19, 2013

  Texas will shut down campuses at six charter schools under a new law that includes heightened financial and academic performance rules. Full Story 

• When Taxpayer Money and Private Firms Intersect in Schools

  By Morgan Smith Dec. 16, 2013

  When schools turn to private entities for management, the arrangement can raise questions about how best to ensure financial accountability. Full Story 

• Texas Lt. Gov. Hopefuls Voice Support for Creationism

  By Morgan Smith Dec. 12, 2013

  All four Republican candidates vying for lieutenant governor said at a Thursday debate that religion should play a larger role in public education — and three said they believed that should include the teaching of creationism. Full Story 

• Picking the Friendliest Among Friendly Incumbents

  By Reeve Hamilton, Morgan Smith and John Reynolds Dec. 12, 2013

  One of the really interesting things about this election cycle is watching the big boys under the Dome — the trade associations — pick whom to back in the crowded fields of GOP contenders for statewide office. Full Story