State Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, announced Thursday morning that he will run for lieutenant governor in 2014, choosing a moment between special legislative sessions to challenge sitting Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who has said he will seek re-election.
Austin
Posted in
State Government
For Dewhurst, a Critical Failure With a Large Audience
The state’s lieutenant governor was hoping the special session would revive his support among conservatives. It might have done exactly the opposite.
Posted in
Higher Education
Representatives Ask Perry to Add Tuition Revenue Bonds
Nearly half of the members of the Texas House are asking Gov. Rick Perry to add tuition revenue bonds for campus construction to the agenda of the current special session.
Posted in
Politics
Guest Column: Civic Engagement and the Future of Texas
Texas is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to civic participation in the U.S., according to the Texas Civic Health Index. Only a few states had lower voter registration, political discussion and contact between public officials and the public.
Posted in
State Government
Sharper Elbows in a Special Session
The comity of the regular session might disappear in a special session: The rules change to the disadvantage of the Democrats, and the agenda changes to the advantage of the governor.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: How Perry Uses His Veto Power
As the longest-serving Texas governor, Rick Perry has vetoed his share of bills — 275 of them since taking office in December 2000. Use our interactive to see the history of Perry’s veto power.
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Politics
Which Votes Will Haunt Texas Lawmakers?
Gov. Rick Perry has until June 16 to sign or veto bills from the legislative session, but political operatives are already combing through the records of the proceedings, looking for votes that might haunt legislators in next year’s elections.
Posted inState Government
Redistricting Special Session: The Districts in Question
Lawmakers are deciding whether to ratify political maps drawn by federal judges for the 2012 elections and to use those maps in 2014. Based on the last two elections, we’ve calculated the political environment in each district.
Posted in
Economy
Video: Sine Die Reflections
Monday marked the end of the 83rd Legislature’s regular session, and the start of a special session on redistricting. Despite the quick turnaround, lawmakers had a chance to reflect on what they accomplished in the last 140 days.
Posted inState Government
Perry Names Rathgeber Insurance Commissioner
UPDATED: Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Julia Rathgeber to be the state’s commissioner of insurance, replacing Eleanor Kitzman, who couldn’t win Senate confirmation this session.
