Geren on "Former Fetus" Signs: House "Not a College Dormitory"
State Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, on Thursday explained why he removed signs at the Capitol identifying some legislators as former fetuses. Full Story
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Patrick Svitek
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Patrick Svitek was the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick covered elections, state leaders, the Legislature and political trends across the state from 2015 until 2024. He previously worked for the Houston Chronicle's Austin bureau. Patrick graduated in 2014 from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Past Contributions
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![State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford.]()
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In New Hampshire, Perry Says War Must Be "Last Resort"
Kicking off a two-day blitz in New Hampshire, former Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday morning offered a key caveat to his increasing outspokenness on foreign policy, cautioning that the United States' first response to global conflict should not be war. Full Story
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![Gov. Rick Perry talks with New Hampshire voters at a GOP rally in Stratham, N.H., on Aug. 25, 2014.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
How Are Abbott's Emergency Items Doing?
Gov. Greg Abbott declared five emergency items in his State of the State speech, clearing the way for lawmakers to act quickly on them if they so choose. Here's a guide to the five items, related bills and where things stand. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott announces five emergency items for Texas legislators to consider during his State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015.]()
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Rand Paul Set to Open Austin Office Ahead of Likely 2016 Campaign
Likely 2016 presidential candidate Rand Paul is scheduled to open his Austin office Monday. Full Story
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![U.S. Sen. Rand Paul speaks to the press about his decision bring on Steve Munisteri, chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, as a senior advisor to his anticipated presidential campaign during the Dallas GOP "Reagan Day" event on Friday, January 30, 2015.]()
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"Former Fetus" Signs Cause Stir at Capitol
Signs identifying some state lawmakers as former fetuses are generating controversy at the Capitol. Full Story
![State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford.]()
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Four File For José Menéndez's Texas House Seat
Four Democrats have filed to run in the March 31 special election for Texas House District 124, the Bexar County seat formerly held by now-Sen. José Menéndez. Full Story
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Housing Legislation Puts Local Control Debate Front and Center
A bill before a Texas Senate committee is bringing into focus the simmering debate over local control in the state. It's a charge that has been backed by Gov. Greg Abbott and state legislators who see cities overstepping their authority. Full Story
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![Attorney General Greg Abbott speaking at TPPF closing luncheon on Jan. 10, 2014.]()
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George P. Bush to Help Raise Cash for Dad's Super PAC
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is stepping up to help raise money for a super PAC supporting his dad's likely 2016 presidential campaign. Full Story
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![Jeb Bush puts his hand on his son George P. Bush's knee during a light moment in the younger Bush's swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 2, 2015, as Texas land commissioner. At right is George P. Bush's wife, Amanda Bush.]()
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Cruz: Timing of Menendez Probe "Awfully Coincidental"
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, says the timing of the pending indictment against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., "seems awfully coincidental." Full Story
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![U.S. Sen. speaks at the Iowa Freedom Summit in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 24, 2015.]()
Credit: Rebecca Miller -
In Iowa, Cruz and Perry Won't Pledge to Biofuels
Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz made their presidential cases to the heavyweights of Iowa agriculture Saturday, and each made no apologies for opposing one of the state's favorite programs. Full Story
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![Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz]()
Credit: Cooper Neill
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