Republicans in Texas have relied for years on a rating system called ORVS, or Optimum Republican Voting Strength, that combines results of recent elections to show which parts of the state are friendly to the GOP. The latest numbers are out, and while there are few surprises, the charts do provide something of a road map to the GOP’s targets in the next election cycle.
Health care
In-depth reporting on public health, healthcare policy, hospitals, and wellness issues shaping communities across Texas, from The Texas Tribune.
Why Rally If the Votes Are Truly Locked Up?
Ordinarily, anyone who could collect more than 80 House votes for an issue before it’s even been heard in committee would be happy indeed. But the folks pushing to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, to the maximum are worried about the depth of their support.


