Political parties are getting down to the business of state conventions. In Texas, the four top parties will convene, in different cities, this weekend. Ben Philpott reports for KUT News and The Texas Tribune.
Ben Philpott
Ben Philpott is a senior reporter for KUT-FM, Austin’s National Public Radio affiliate. He has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002, during which time he has been recognized for outstanding radio journalism by the Radio and Television News Directors Association, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, the Houston Press Club and the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters. Before moving to Texas, he worked in public radio in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala., and at several television stations in Alabama and Tennessee. Born in New York City and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Philpott graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Posted inState Government
Incumbent and Upstart Head to SD-25 Runoff
Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, might have expected a runoff. But instead of well-funded former Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones, he’ll go up against Tea Party favorite Donna Campbell. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports.
Posted in
State Government
For CD-35 Candidates, an Austin-San Antonio Balancing Act
Congressional District 35 runs from Austin to San Antonio. And as Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports, that means candidates — including longtime U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett — must weigh the concerns of various constituencies in their bids for the seat.
Posted inState Government
New Group Takes Aim at “Career Politicians”
The Tea Party has made lots of noise over the past couple of years. But as Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports, in 2012 there’s another group in Texas trying to shake up the establishment — by replacing what it calls “career politicians” with “citizen representatives.”
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TribCast
The Weekly TribCast: Episode 131
This week Evan, Ross, Emily and Ben take a look at the real — and fake — ways that candidates are trying to gain advantages before the May 29th primaries, along with an update on the GOP race for the U.S. Senate nomination.
Posted in
State Government
In Central Texas, Educating Voters About New District
Central Texas got a new GOP-friendly state House district in the redistricting process. And as is the case in all newly created districts, candidates don’t just have to campaign — they also have to educate voters about the change. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports.
Posted inState Government
Paul Still Pushing to Win Texas
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul made a couple of campaign stops in Austin on Thursday. After an afternoon fundraiser, he met with supporters on the University of Texas campus. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports.
Posted in
State Government
Workman the Incumbent — Sort of — in HD-47 Primary
Changes in Texas’ legislative maps have created opportunities for those hoping to knock off incumbent lawmakers — like in HD-47 in western Travis County. Ben Philpott reports for KUT News and the Tribune.
Posted in
Economy
The Weekly TribCast: Episode 128
Ben, Evan, Ross and Emily talk about races to watch in the fast-approaching primary, Gov. Rick Perry’s budget compact announcement and the Planned Parenthood merger. And Evan hears from some special birthday guests.
Posted in
Energy
Drilling Down: A Deeper Look at the Keystone XL Pipeline
The Keystone XL Pipeline, and whether it will be built to bring oil from Canada to the Texas coast, has been a hot topic. This week on KUT News and the Trib, we’ll have a series on the pipeline and unresolved issues surrounding it.
