The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
At the Civil Rights Summit in Austin, Democratic San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro and former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a Republican, both expressed optimism that Congress could pass comprehensive immigration reform this year. Full Story
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Here's full video of Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Leticia Van De Putte's rally Monday at the University of Texas at Austin, as she wrapped up a statewide bus tour. Full Story
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A Tribune investigation into contributors to TexasOne, Gov. Rick Perry's chief tool to promote the "Texas Miracle," found that its top contributors have also been beneficiaries of state economic programs and influential appointments. Full Story
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A special prosecutor's report appears to give a House panel all the ammunition it would need to recommend charges of impeachment against University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall Jr. — should they choose that route. Full Story
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Lawmakers heard arguments for and against allowing Texans to carry handguns openly during a committee hearing on Monday. Full Story
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A former Texas Railroad Commission chairman is helping Ryan Sitton fight back against conflict-of-interest allegations in the Republican primary runoff for an open seat on the commission. Full Story
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Because it's never too early to talk about 2016, here are a couple of reads for your Monday on what to expect from some high-profile Republicans should they pull the trigger on a White House run. Full Story
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State Sen. Dan Patrick has credited his success to grassroots support. But the Houston Republican's momentum has also been built on lessons learned navigating the old-school politics of Harris County. Full Story
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Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis highlighted her efforts to mobilize Texas voters at volunteer summit in Austin on Saturday. Full Story
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To the extent that Wednesday's Fort Hood shooting prompts a renewed discussion of guns in Texas, discussion will almost certainly be dominated by talk of increasing access to guns, not curtailing it. Full Story
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In his first run for public office, Malachi Boyuls encountered a big state, a crowded ballot and some difficulty with names — both his own and that of the office he sought. Full Story
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John Ratcliffe, who is in a Republican primary runoff with U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall, says the incumbent has been in Washington too long. What he's not saying is that Hall, who turns 91 next month, is too old for office. Full Story
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A special prosecutor wouldn't say whether Rick Perry committed a crime when he vetoed funds for the Travis County district attorney, but a case could be presented to a grand jury this month. Full Story
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In the great-news-to-wake-up-to department, we've been honored by Investigative Reporters and Editors with the "Gannett Award for Innovation in Watchdog Journalism" for our livestream, our Ethics Explorer and our Bidness as Usual series. Full Story
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Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott often touts the work of his office’s Cyber Crimes Unit, which he established. A review of the unit’s history found that its work extends beyond Abbott’s tenure as attorney general. Full Story
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A gunman killed three fellow soldiers and later killed himself Wednesday afternoon at Fort Hood, an incident which invariably brought back memories of the mass shooting on the military base in November 2009 that claimed 13 lives. Full Story
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Take a look at how Texas' campaign finance system compares to the federal campaign finance system, and see how political contribution laws differ from state to state. Full Story
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Two of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's top political aides have left his campaign amid internal conflict about the direction of his re-election bid. Full Story
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Agriculture commissioner candidate Kinky Friedman argues that marijuana legalization is the future of Texas. But for farmers in states where growing it is legal, the crop has come with a new set of problems. Full Story
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Gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott says he's looking “to make Texas the No. 1 education system in the United States within 10 years.” He has to find a way to suggest improvements while not criticizing his ally Rick Perry. Full Story
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