The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Little known outside the halls of Texas government, Daniel Hodge has become one of its more powerful behind-the-scenes figures. That's only becoming more true: He's expected to serve a key role in the new governor's administration. Full Story
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The best of our best content from Nov. 17-21, 2014. Full Story
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The Texas Supreme Court will not review whether a $5-per-patron fee at live nude entertainment clubs is an occupation tax in disguise, letting stand a ruling that found alcohol-serving strip clubs must pay up when it comes to the "pole tax." Full Story
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Newly elected Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is reaching out to a former House colleague to fill a key staff position in his new administration. Full Story
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Texas will feel more of the effects of Obama's action while a proposed overhaul of the Secure Communities programs draws bipartisan criticism. Full Story
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President Obama on Thursday said he will use his executive authority to grant millions of undocumented immigrants a work permit and a reprieve from deportation proceedings. Reactions from Republicans were swift and outraged. Full Story
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Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick adds two Capitol veterans well versed in state finances and legislative procedure to his staff for the upcoming legislative session. Full Story
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State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte will run for mayor of her hometown of San Antonio, she confirmed Wednesday night. Full Story
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Two weeks after losing her bid for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte announced that she was running for mayor of San Antonio and would not finish her term at the Texas Capitol. Full Story
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Despite his challenger's vow to take a speaker vote to the floor on the first day of session, backers of House Speaker Joe Straus spent Tuesday trying to demonstrate the race is already a foregone conclusion. Full Story
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The surge of state law enforcement on Texas’ southern border will continue through August if an $86 million request made by the state’s top leaders is approved next month by budget writers. Full Story
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Chip Roy, a longtime GOP adviser who most recently worked for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, will serve as first assistant to Attorney General-elect Ken Paxton, his campaign announced Tuesday. Full Story
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Twelve more Republican House members publicly pledged their support for House Speaker Joe Straus on Tuesday, making the path to victory for challenger Scott Turner exceedingly difficult. Full Story
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California has stopped letting companies pay consultants a commission based on the size of tax cut and incentive packages they help land. Texas has no such restriction. Full Story
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A new controversy could crop up this week as the State Board of Education is expected to adopt new social studies textbooks. Full Story
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Legislation reviving the fight over "sanctuary cities" was filed Monday by Lubbock Republican Sen. Charles Perry. Full Story
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As authorities arrive in LaPorte to find what caused the methyl mercaptan gas leak that killed four DuPont plant workers on Saturday, information is emerging about the safety record of the plant. Full Story
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State Sen. Glenn Hegar sent a letter to Gov. Rick Perry Friday resigning his Senate seat as of Dec. 5. The Katy Republican will be sworn in as comptroller in January. A Dec. 6 special election for his seat was announced later Friday. Full Story
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This week in the Texas Political Roundup: Could state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte be eyeing a run for San Antonio mayor? Gov. Gov. Rick Perry's attorneys ask a judge to dismiss his charges. And state lawmakers have begun filing bills ahead of the coming legislative session. Full Story
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Seeking to quell a revolt before it has time to develop, allies of House Speaker Joe Straus late on Thursday night claimed to have the backing of an overwhelming majority of House GOP members. Full Story
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