For the 14th event in our TribLive series, I interviewed the mayor of Dallas on the challenges of leading the state’s third-largest city, why he endorsed Rick Perry despite being a nonpartisan elected official, what he thinks of federal health care reform and whether he’ll run for the Senate in 2012.
A Conversation With Tom Leppert
Posted inState Government
The Most Important Perry
Over the last decade, two Republicans with the last name Perry have dominated the Texas political landscape. One is Rick, the state’s longest-serving governor. The other is Bob (no relation), the state’s largest individual political donor during that time — with no close second. Since 2000, the wealthy Houston home builder has contributed about $28 million to more than 400 candidates and political action committees in Texas, according to an analysis of campaign-finance data by The Texas Tribune. During that time, he’s also contributed at least $38 million more to candidates and groups outside of Texas.
Posted in
State Government
The People’s Courthouses
Since 1999, dozens of county courthouses — some dating to the 19th century — have been spruced up with the help of state funding, and workers have uncovered old artwork or other historic features. But advocates fear that the renovation program will be yet another casualty of the coming biennial budget shortfall.
Posted in
T-Squared
T-Squared: The Times is Now
Today is the first day you’ll see robust journalism produced by the reporters of The Texas Tribune in the pages of The New York Times and on nytimes.com.
Posted in
Economy
The History of the Shuttle Program, Part Five
As the nation’s shuttle program moves toward its scheduled end next year, observers are asking: What’s next for manned space exploration? Ben Philpott reports on how federal funding changes for NASA will determine the answer.
Posted in
State Government
TribLive Interview/Q&A: Tom Leppert
Full audio of from Evan Smith’s interview and audience Q&A with Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert.
Posted in
Politics
Perry Up By 12 in Newspaper Poll
Gov. Rick Perry’s lead over his Democratic challenger, Bill White, is now 12 points, according to the latest poll commissioned by the five big-city newspapers.
Posted in
Demographics
2010: Dems: Perry’s Ad Prompts “Disgust”
Texas Democrats today called Gov. Rick Perry’s ad featuring a Houston widow an underhanded attempt to promote Arizona-style immigration laws. Perry’s camp says Democrats are confused.
Posted inState Government
Ads Infinitum: Chet Edwards’ “Side”
U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, lays out his closing argument in his latest ad against Republican challenger Bill Flores.
Posted inState Government
The Midday Brief: Oct. 28, 2010
Your afternoon reading: State Sen. Dan Patrick to form a Tea Party caucus, and border violence claims another U.S. citizen
