For months, Gov. Greg Abbott and the 2019 Texas Inaugural Committee fought to avoid disclosing how they spent a record-setting $5.3 million. The Texas Tribune sued and obtained the documents in an out-of-court settlement.
Ann Richards
Posted inState Government
Clayton Williams, oilman and colorful candidate for Texas governor, has died
Williams, a well-known oilman and entrepreneur from Midland, has died. The one-time Republican candidate for governor of Texas lost a nationally watched race against Democrat Ann Richards in 1990 after a series of public gaffes.
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Politics
The inauguration of Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick cost millions. But much of it went to fundraising and staff.
Spending on each of the last two inaugurations eclipsed that of any other in Texas for at least 40 years, even when adjusted for inflation. A spokesman for the governor has said no state dollars were spent on the festivities.
Posted inState Government
Lily Adams helped her grandmother Ann Richards win Texas. Can she get Kamala Harris to the White House?
As a young child, Adams was frequently at her governor grandmother’s side. Now she’s continuing her family’s political legacy.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: Texas Democrats Lupe Valdez and Andrew White stage a small race for the biggest office
Texas Democrats face a true juggernaut in this year’s race for governor, and they’ll need a juggernaut of their own to pull it off. Last week’s debate illustrated how much work they’ll have to do to compete.
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Politics
Slideshow: Photographer Captures Texas’ Democratic Days
While photographer Scott Newton is best known for his iconic images of rock stars, he made a living photographing Texas politicians for three decades.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: You Can’t Win Votes Without Winning Voters’ Attention
Donald Trump is putting on a clinic on how to entertain and hold the attention of lots of voters. Don’t discount the value of that — it’s a vital first step to winning elective office, as several Texas candidates have shown.
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Politics
Perry’s Gone, but Travel Costs Still Being Tallied
As the state tallies the tax dollars spent on former Gov. Rick Perry’s security while he was running for president, a lawmaker wants future elected officials to reimburse Texas for out-of-state trips that don’t involve official business.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: It’s a Lot Easier to Rule With a Mandate
It’s easier to govern if you have a mandate, and you build the mandate while you’re campaigning. So far, the agenda for the next set of officeholders is a little murky.
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Politics
Analysis: In Race for Governor, the Personal and the Political
Political campaigns can be cunning and crafty affairs where candidates are cautiously presented and positions are carefully tailored to voters. But the contenders are humans, and policy is sometimes personal.