The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
If Rand Paul runs for president — and he's widely expected to — don't expect a campaign that mirrors those of his father. During a weekend visit to North Texas, where he spoke at a pair of GOP events, Paul talked about building a broad coalition. Full Story
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There was no shortage of news coming out of the Capitol this week, but last Thursday was so singular that we built our entire playlist around the events of that day. Kicking things off: Wes Montgomery’s cover of “A Day In The Life” by The Beatles. Full Story
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Texas's tendency to privatize state services has led to contracting scandals erupting regularly. But a history of cost overruns or bad performance hardly bars a company from winning future jobs. Full Story
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Just before leaving office, Rick Perry ordered state agencies to start using E-Verify, the federal employment verification system, to make sure job applicants can legally work. But some lawmakers say that mandate isn't enough. Full Story
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State Rep. Molly White, R-Belton, is not the first Texas lawmaker to make comments offensive to the Muslim community. Full Story
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UPDATED: State Sen. Donna Campbell and Land Commissioner George P. Bush were among the speakers who addressed a gathering of school choice supporters Friday just outside the Texas Capitol. Full Story
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House Public Education Chairman Jimmie Don Aycock announced Friday that his daughter would be stepping down from her role as a lobbyist for education issues for the upcoming legislative session. Full Story
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A day after state Rep. Molly White, R-Belton, came under fire for instructing staff to ask Muslim visitors to her office to pledge their allegiance to the U.S., Gov. Greg Abbott called for civil discussions "so that everyone has the opportunity to weigh in on their beliefs." Full Story
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In the Roundup: Rick Perry comments on the rejection of his bid to dismiss criminal charges, there was a moment of uncertainty surrounding open carry legislation in the Senate, and Texas Muslim Capitol Day draws loud protests. Full Story
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Two years ago, the drought prompted a rare outbreak of teamwork as lawmakers from both parties and most corners of Texas together crafted a $2 billion fund to provide more water. This session, though, it looks like we're going back to good old-fashioned water rivalries. Full Story
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In a week where the news was driven to a large degree by rallies on the Capitol grounds — from open carry activists to anti-Muslim protesters — it's perhaps fitting that the week closes with another one. Full Story
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This year's Texas Muslim Capitol Day was marred by an inflammatory Facebook post from freshman state Rep. Molly White and a small but disruptive group of protesters. Full Story
Rand Paul will add Texas GOP Chairman Steve Munisteri as an adviser, the senator's team confirmed Thursday. Full Story
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New Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was found in 2014 to have violated the Texas Securities Act, will not be prosecuted by the state's office that investigates public corruption, officials said Thursday. Full Story
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UPDATED: A Muslim group at the Capitol has asked Speaker Joe Straus whether state Rep. Molly White violated ethics rules by instructing her staff to ask Muslim visitors to her office to declare their allegiance to the U.S. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott wants to eliminate an incentive program for technology startups in favor of a new program that would make payments to universities that recruit prestigious faculty. Full Story
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On Fox News on Wednesday, Rick Perry told host Sean Hannity that he's been preparing to run for president since late 2012. "So when I stand on the stage and debate this next time, you're going to see a person who is very, very well prepared," he said. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gave the green light Wednesday on a push for open carry legislation in the Senate, a day after he indicated in a Texas Tribune interview that the votes weren't there for passage. Full Story
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The session has barely begun, and the prospect of a new law allowing Texans to openly carry handguns first appeared to be inevitable, then dead, then alive again. Oddly, it's the idea's supporters who keep scrambling its political fate. Full Story
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Some of the Legislature's early actions indicate some ambivalence about the agencies and people who enforce state ethics laws. Full Story
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