Gov. Rick Perry is home this week to rest and raise money before heading back out on the campaign trail. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune looks at how much money Perry will need to raise, how he’ll do it and why he’s likely to succeed.
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.
Paul’s Supporters May Be Fewer, But They Are Passionate
If you put Ron Paul and Rick Perry side by side in this presidential race, most people would say Paul is the underdog. But as Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports, what Paul’s supporters lack in numbers they make up for in passion.
Perry Campaign Hoping for Good News in Texas Jobs Report
The latest Texas jobs numbers will be released today, and a positive report would bolster Gov. Rick Perry’s economic message on the campaign trail. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports on the battle to define just how well the Texas economy is doing.
While Perry Campaigns, Who’s in Charge at Home?
Gov. Rick Perry, campaigning in Iowa again today, heads back to New Hampshire and South Carolina later this week. But while Perry’s out of state, who’s in charge in Texas? Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports.
Perry Latest in Long Line of White House Hopefuls From Texas
Now that Rick Perry has officially entered the race for president, he’ll soon start to set himself apart from the rest of the GOP field. But first, Ben Philpott of KUT News has a look back at how Perry compares with the the other Texans who have made a run for the White House.
Brace Yourself for the Flood of Perry Profiles
Now that Gov. Rick Perry is officially joining the presidential battle this weekend, the inevitable “who is he” and “can he win” stories will begin to flood the airwaves. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports.
Dewhurst: Perry Called to “Lead in Dark Hours”
Gov. Rick Perry today made his first public appearance since news broke about his Saturday announcement. As Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports, the nonpartisan event didn’t keep the governor and his supporters from dropping more hints.
With The Response Over, What’s Next for Perry?
With Gov. Rick Perry’s much-hyped — and highly attended — prayer event over, Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports that some say the governor’s big announcement could come as soon as this week.
31 Days, 31 Ways: Intellectual Disability Funds Avoid Worst Cuts, Mental Health Services Preserved
DAY 6 of our 31-day series on the effects of new state laws and budget cuts: Mental health funding was spared draconian cuts, but some who rely on the state for intellectual disability aid will lose services.
Texas Short on Truckers as Demand Increases
Though the amount of freight being shipped by truck in the U.S. is up, there aren’t enough drivers to meet the demand. As Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports, the shortage is particularly troubling for Texas.

