A few minor ethics measures passed in the 83rd legislative session. But the real story is what didnโt happen. This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
campaign finance
Biggest Ethics Reforms Died on Governor’s Desk
A few minor ethics measures passed in the 83rd legislative session. But the real story is what didnโt happen. This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
Some Democrats’ Political Accounts See Boost in Donations After Filibuster
State Sen. Wendy Davis’ filibuster against abortion legislation gave Democrats across the country a rare red-state rallying point, and some of them responded by opening their checkbooks.
Interactive: Campaign Finance Analyzer
Using campaign finance reports, we’ve put together a quick way to find the biggest donors to statewide candidates, the distribution of large and small donations, and how much money came in for each date in a reporting period.
Candidates Race to Prove Heft in Money Primary
Candidates are racing to raise money before an end-of-the-month deadline, the better to prove the strength of their campaigns for 2014 in reports that come out July 15.
UT/TT Poll: Partisan Splits on Guns in Texas
Texans strongly favor criminal and mental health background checks on all gun sales, and they are divided when it comes to concealed weapons on college campuses, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
TribLive: A Conversation About Ethics in the Lege
Full video of Ross Ramsey’s 5/16 TribLive conversation about ethics in the Texas Legislature with former Assistant Travis County District Attorney Mindy Montford, campaign finance lawyer Randall “Buck” Wood, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and former state Rep. Ismael “Kino” Flores, D-Palmview.
TribLive: Capriglione and Wood on Disclosing Donors
At Thursday’s TribLive conversation, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and ethics and campaign finance lawyer Randall “Buck” Wood talked to the Tribune’s Ross Ramsey about transparency in political giving.
Disclosure Bills Get Little Love From Top Leaders
With just four weeks remaining in the legislative session, there has been little to no pressure from the top โ including key committee chairs โ to pass measures that would force greater transparency upon Texasโ elected officials.
Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Lawmaker
Giving up 20 weeks of every other year to serve in the Texas Legislature is a lot easier if you don’t have to worry about the paycheck you’re missing at home. It is easier, in other words, if you’re rich.


