The Brief: May 21, 2012
With just over a week until Election Day, the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll may spell trouble for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
A Political Defendant Faces a Political Judiciary
Texas judges run in partisan elections, and sometimes what they do as politicians gets in the way of what they're supposed to do as judges. Full Story
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2 Months After Switching to GOP, Lozano Aims to Show That He Belongs
State Rep. J.M. Lozano, a freshman Republican from Kingsville who was a Democrat just two months ago, is trying to show that he has GOP credentials and isn't an opportunist. Full Story
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UT/TT Poll: Runoffs Looming in Senate Race
U.S. Senate rivals David Dewhurst and Ted Cruz are only 9 percentage points apart in the Republican primary race, and the chances of a runoff are high. Democrats are likely to see a runoff in their primary as well. Full Story
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Gates: UT-Austin "Blessed" to Have Powers
In his commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin on Saturday, former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates included a display of support for the school's embattled president, Bill Powers. Full Story
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Leppert Takes Mayoral Record Into Senate Race
During Tom Leppert's tenure as Dallas mayor, the city's crime rate dropped and major projects advanced. But critics say Leppert, now a U.S. Senate hopeful, had always looked at the job as a political stepping stone. Full Story
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![5/12/12 Texas U.S. Senate candidate Tom Leppert talks to members of the community (left and right) Michael Osuna and Steve Chappell at the Christ Fellowship Church in McKinney, TX during a candidate meet and greet.]()
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TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Aaronson on why the latest Texas job gains are a mixed bag, Aguilar on the fight over an Eagle Pass coal mine, Batheja on nasty U.S. Senate race ads, Galbraith on El Paso's water woes, Grissom on John Bradley's tough primary, Hamilton and M. Smith on the controversial chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, Murphy's cool higher ed stats interactive, Ramsey talks to Robert Draper about what's wrong with Congress, Ramshaw on Joe Barton vs. himself, Root on Perry's Mitt embrace and my exclusive sit-down with the chancellor of the UT System: The best of our best content from May 14-18, 2012. Full Story
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Updated: White's Record as Teacher Raised as Election Issue
State Rep. James White said the allegation that he left his job as a teacher after repeated complaints of inappropriate sexual discussions in class is "malicious, untrue gossip." Full Story
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Updated: Jones Files Counterclaim to Wentworth Lawsuit
Elizabeth Ames Jones, a candidate in SD-25, has filed her response to a defamation suit filed against her by incumbent state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio. Her campaign calls his suit "frivolous and politically-inspired." Full Story
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![Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, prepares to leave the Senate chamber after he tried to generate support for his guns-on-campus bill SB354 on April 11, 2011]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Evening Brief: May 18, 2012
Your evening reading: documents revealed in HD-19 race say candidate left teaching job over sexual references; ruling on state incentives sparks Combs, Patterson spat; Dewhurst invested extra $6 million in campaign Full Story
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Dewhurst Loaned Extra $6 Million to U.S. Senate Bid
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst recently loaned an extra $6 million of his own money in his bid for the U.S. Senate, the campaign revealed late Friday. Full Story
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State Won't Seek Federal Funds to Prolong Health Program
In its latest rejection of federal dollars, Texas will not reapply for a grant to keep operating a program that helps consumers enroll in health coverage and file complaints and appeals against health plans. Full Story
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Combs, Patterson Spar Over Formula One-Related Ruling
A legal opinion on the use of state incentive money prompted a new round of sparring Friday between Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson and Comptroller Susan Combs, who could face off in a 2014 race for lieutenant governor. Full Story
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How Does Tuition Compare at Texas' Public Universities?
The cost of college in Texas is back at center stage, following speculation last week that University of Texas at Austin President Bill Powers' job could be in jeopardy over his frustration with a tuition freeze. Here's a look at the average tuition and fees at every public university in Texas for fiscal year 2012. Full Story
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Updated: Voter ID Trial Will Begin in July
The state’s lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice over the voter ID bill will commence in July, keeping alive the chance that the controversial measure could be in effect by the November election. Full Story
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Texplainer: Who Can Fire a UT System President?
A Texas Monthly blog post last week ignited controversy over University of Texas President Bill Powers' future at the university — and raised questions about who decides whether he stays or goes. The answer? It's not one person's decision. Full Story
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April Jobs Report: Growth in Texas Economy Slowing
Although economic growth has slowed, April marks the 21st month in a row that the state has gained jobs, according to the latest statistics released by the Texas Workforce Commission. Full Story
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Former Reporter Challenges U.S. Rep. Marchant in CD-24
U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant's GOP primary opponent has put up a sign near Marchant's North Texas home that asks, "Why won't you debate me?" Marchant's campaign says Grant Stinchfield's campaign is full of gimmicks. Full Story
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![Stinchfield placed this billboard ad within 2 miles of Rep. Kenny Marchant's home.]()
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The Brief: May 18, 2012
A lawsuit has upped the drama in what was already one of the state's most heated state legislative races. Full Story
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Turnover Offers Political Tool for Leaders in 2013
It's great to have experienced leaders on hand to help run the Legislature. But it's also great — at least from a leader's perspective — to have some openings to offer to potential supporters. Full Story
Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Bob Daemmrich
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