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• Inside Intelligence: Trimming the Branches

  By Ross Ramsey Nov. 21, 2011

  For this week's nonscientific survey of political and government insiders, we asked about Rick Perry's proposals to limit judges' terms and to make serving in Congress a part-time job. Full Story 

• Dewhurst Keeps the Spotlight to Himself

  By Ross Ramsey Nov. 21, 2011

  Supporters of former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz say Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, his opponent in the race for U.S. Senate, is ducking live appearances where the two could go head to head. What’s Dewhurst doing? Running against President Barack Obama. Full Story 

• Not Every Race Will Be a Contest — by Design

  By Ross Ramsey Nov. 18, 2011

  Federal judges proposed new political maps for the state late Thursday and hope to have new congressional and legislative maps in place for Texas on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Full Story 

• Campaign Chatter

  By Ross Ramsey Nov. 18, 2011

  Rep. Jerry Madden, R-Plano, won't seek an 11th term in the Texas House, and other news from the campaigns. Madden is the 22nd House member to give up his seat this season. Full Story 

• Judicial Cartography

  By Ross Ramsey and Ryan Murphy Nov. 17, 2011

  A panel of federal judges in San Antonio proposed new redistricting maps for the Texas Senate and the Texas House late Thursday, asking for comments by noon on Friday. They're trying to finish maps before candidates start filing on November 28 — a date set by the court. Full Story 

• Federal Judges Propose Maps for Texas Legislative Races

  By Ross Ramsey and Ryan Murphy Nov. 17, 2011

  A panel of federal judges in San Antonio proposed new redistricting maps for the Texas Senate and the Texas House late this afternoon. Full Story 

• Liveblog: TribLive with David Dewhurst

  By Ross Ramsey Nov. 17, 2011

  Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who's running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, agreed to a TribLive interview at the Austin Club this morning. He'll talk to Evan Smith and then answer audience questions. Full Story 

• Inside Intelligence: Tweaking Judges and Lawmakers

  By Ross Ramsey Nov. 16, 2011

  Gov. Rick Perry proposed term limits for federal judges and cuts in pay and work hours for Congress, so we put those issues to the insiders and added Texas versions: What about a full-time Legislature, and appointed judges instead of elected ones? Full Story 

• Campaign Roundup: The Week's Political News

  By Ross Ramsey Nov. 16, 2011

  Some of the Republican U.S. Senate candidates fight to appeal to the right, and a domestic partner becomes the centerpiece in a race for the State Board of Education. Full Story 

• Updated: Combs Taps the Brakes on Formula 1 Racing

  By Ross Ramsey Nov. 15, 2011

  The state won't spend any taxpayer money on Formula 1 in advance of Texas races, Comptroller Susan Combs announced this morning — days after racing officials expressed doubt over a Grand Prix here. It's not clear how that will affect the track. Full Story