The Texas governor’s race has already taken off. Three of the four best-funded candidates have already splashed TV and/or radio ads across the state. Some people estimate $1 million a day could get spent on the primary campaigns between the first of the year and the March 2 primary. But you’ll likely see nothing right around Christmas. Ben Philpott, covering the 2010 elections for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report.
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
Do Not Open Until After the Holidays
In a couple of weeks, they’ll be all over the place. But political ads at this time of year are dangerous. Ben Philpott filed this report for KUT News and the Tribune.
Posted inState Government
With Friends Like These…
A Florida judicial ethics panel ruled that judges and lawyers who might appear before them in court may not ethically “friend” each other on social networking sites like Facebook. Texas has no such recommendations — and there’s no real consensus here on how social networking should or should not be used. Ben Philpott, who covers politics for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report.
Posted inState Government
Kinky on Getting Out
After announcing he’ll drop his bid for governor and run for agriculture commissioner, Kinky Friedman talked with Ben Philpott (reporting for KUT News and the Tribune) about his decision to change races — and his unsuccessful attempt to get rival candidate Farouk Shami to seek a different office as well.
Posted in
Economy
Economic Campaigning
Texas budget writers are hoping December will ring in stronger retail sales — after getting the news Friday that sales tax collections were down 14 percent from this November to last. The state’s economy is always a hot topic in the governor’s race. Ben Philpott is covering the Texas governor’s race for KUT News and the Texas Tribune. He takes a look at how the economy’s playing so far.
Posted in
Economy
It’s Still the Economy, Stupid
Sales taxes are down and the recession in Texas hasn’t bottomed, so financial concerns will almost certainly factor into the governor’s race. Ben Philpott, covering that contest for KUT News and the Tribune, takes a look.
Posted in
Energy
Letting Farouk Be Farouk
Where does Democratic gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami stand on the issues?
Posted inState Government
Shami’s Job Train
Democratic gubernatorial Candidate Farouk Shami has kicked off his campaign tour of Texas. The self-proclaimed billionaire spoke with reporters Wednesday afternoon about his goals for Texas. His plan focuses on one specific theme. Ben Philpott is covering the Texas governor’s Race for KUT News and the Trib.
Posted inState Government
Audio: The Pecking Order
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman could announce this week whether he’ll continue his run or stake his claim to another statewide office.
Posted inState Government
Cap and Trade on the Campaign Trail
Rick Perry attacked the EPA’s decision yesterday to declare carbon dioxide a public danger, arguing that the ruling lacks scientific evidence. The EPA’s move could propel the cost of carbon reduction onto the list of issues in play in the governor’s race. Ben Philpott, who’s covering the 2010 election for KUT News and the Trib, filed this report.
