In 2015, Texans saw their former governor reluctantly exit the political stage as their junior senator emerged as one of the savviest and most consequential Republican presidential candidates. Here are the year’s top political stories.
Michael McCaul
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Politics
Texas Delegation Raises, Shares Big Money
Recently filed campaign finance reports show whether Texas congressional incumbents are building viable re-election operations, and they also reveal how Texans spread their campaign wealth to colleagues.
Posted inState Government
Texans on List of Richest, Poorest in Congress
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, is the second-richest member of Congress in 2015, according to a new list released by Roll Call. Three other Texans made the top-50 list, while one Texan was on the list of poorest members.
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Criminal Justice
2015 Tribune Festival: Videos of the Keynote Sessions
During the keynote sessions of the 2015 Texas Tribune Festival, we featured one-on-one conversations with Dan Patrick, Joe Straus, Nancy Pelosi and Julián Castro. You can watch those interviews and videos of our other keynote sessions here.
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Politics
If Conditions Are Met, Ryan Will Run for U.S. House Speaker
The political anarchy among U.S. House Republicans could be coming to an end, as U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., announced Tuesday that he would run for speaker of the House if all warring GOP factions agree to back him.
Posted inState Government
Video: America’s Place in the World
Here’s full video of our “America’s Place in the World” panel discussion Saturday at The Texas Tribune Festival. The panel featured U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin.
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Politics
As Many Push for a Speaker Ryan, Texans Keep Close Watch
The Texas Republican U.S. House delegation is in a holding pattern until U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin decides whether to run for speaker.
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Politics
Texas Lawmakers Worry Obama Will Veto Crude Oil Export Ban
The Obama administration announced late Wednesday that it “strongly opposes” a repeal of the crude oil export ban, legislation that many Texans are trying to push through Congress.
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Politics
Papal Visit Brings Excitement, Anxiety to Congress
The pontiff’s itinerary includes many of the Catholic and secular landmarks of the nation’s capital and its largest city. But it’s his joint address to Congress on Thursday that is sparking the most excitement among political junkies – and some anxiety.
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Politics
The Unlikely Friendships Involving the Texas Congressional Delegation
There’s no way that conservative Republicans in Texas could forge strong friendships with New York Democrats, right? Think again. Several members of the Texas delegation share some unexpected across-the-aisle friendships on Capitol Hill.