The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
In the most contentious matchup yet in what has become an increasingly vicious Republican runoff for lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick and incumbent David Dewhurst hurled personal attacks at each other in Dallas on Wednesday. Full Story
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If a Libertarian or a Green Party candidate won a race for the Texas Legislature or statewide office, it would be a first. But those candidates can determine who does get into office. Full Story
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The word "mess" doesn't even begin to describe what greeted the new director of the state agency that supervises the state's most violent sex offenders when she showed up to work. Full Story
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During Dan Branch's first year in the House, he was a driving force behind an effort to prevent the disclosure of conflicts of interest that can arise when lawmakers work for firms that lobby the state Legislature. Full Story
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With his opponent's lapses in disclosure making headlines in recent days, some are now questioning GOP attorney general candidate Dan Branch's own commitment to transparency. Full Story
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Prominent Texas Democrats are backing David Alameel in a primary runoff for U.S. Senate. His opponent, Kesha Rogers, supports impeaching President Obama and argues that state party leaders are out of touch with their voters. Full Story
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Land Commissioner (and former lieutenant governor hopeful) Jerry Patterson will endorse David Dewhurst in the primary runoff contest over Dan Patrick, Dallas radio station KERA reported on Sunday. Full Story
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In an interview on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, Gov. Rick Perry acknowledged that his failed 2012 bid for president was a "botched" attempt, but said, "I think America is a place that believes in second chances." Full Story
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The first televised debate in an increasingly bitter Republican runoff for Texas lieutenant governor featured testy exchanges between David Dewhurst and Dan Patrick, who sparred over immigration policy and other topics. Full Story
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State Sen. Ken Paxton, a Republican candidate for Texas attorney general, violated the Texas Securities Act by soliciting investment clients without being registered as required by law, according to a disciplinary order made public Friday. Full Story
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Several Texas politicians have helped draw national attention to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's plans to manage a stretch of Red River land. Area lawmakers who have been working this year on a resolution welcome the extra attention. Full Story
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The rapid rise of so-called dark money, contributions made through political nonprofits that shield their donors' identities, drew the attention of a House panel on Thursday. Full Story
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The first round of the GOP fight for attorney general resembled most of the Republican primary battles this year. But in the runoff, allegations that one candidate broke the law may have shifted the dynamics of the race. Full Story
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This week the head of the Democratic Governors Association said the Texas governor's race isn’t in the top tier of races his group will be financially backing in 2014. What will that lack of support mean for Wendy Davis' chances here? Full Story
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As the horrifying details of a botched execution in Oklahoma dominated the headlines on Wednesday, the focus in Texas quickly turned to whether a review of procedures could be in the offing here. Full Story
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In her latest education proposal, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis is calling for reduced emphasis on standardized testing and more local control of educational accountability measures. Full Story
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Political mapmakers have moved most of the real competition for congressional and legislative races in Texas to the March primaries. The November general elections will feature only a dozen or so real contests on the ballot. Full Story
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The race to replace U.S Rep. Steve Stockman in CD-36 is a battle of geographical allegiance between supporters of the two Republican candidates headed to the May 27 runoff. Full Story
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Could Sriracha be coming to the Alamo City? Full Story
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In another sign of troubled times among the leadership at the University of Texas System, word emerged Monday night that a regent clandestinely recorded a discussion with Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa during an executive session in August. Full Story
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