The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
At our 9/11 Hot Seat conversation at the University of Texas at Dallas, state Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, and state Sen. Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, talked about public education, water, transportation and other issues in play in the 83rd session. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Staples hits Dewhurst over U.S. Senate race; Cruz advocating middle ground on immigration reform; legal group taking on Texas National Guard's same-sex benefits decision Full Story
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Texas driver’s license offices are expanding hours of operation, offering voters a weekend chance to apply for free photo ID certificates required if they don't have other acceptable forms of identitification. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has been an ardent and highly visible opponent of giving undocumented immigrants a way to become U.S. citizens. He is advocating a middle ground — legalization and more visas without citizenship. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry's latest jobs pitch has yet another Democratic governor crying foul. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Democrats slam tweet from Abbott adviser; FreedomWorks endorses Sessions' Tea Party opponent; Cornyn opposes Summers for Fed post Full Story
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A former supporter — Tea Party activist Katrina Pierson — of U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Dallas, has decided to challenge the incumbent in next year's Republican primary. Full Story
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While the Hispanic vote has been the focus of much of the analysis of Democrats’ prospects for turning the Republican tide, in the short term, they will almost certainly need to look to suburban women — especially if Wendy Davis is at the top of the ticket. Full Story
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The gay rights debate that sparked a bitter fight in San Antonio this summer may soon be moving to Houston. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Perry takes jobs ads to Maryland; Cruz calls Obama "too hawkish and too dovish"; Villarreal rules out run for comptroller Full Story
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Texas' biggest oil and gas companies are looking to take a prime role in protecting threatened species in the state, and such participation is drawing mixed opinions among environmental advocates. Full Story
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The quickly shifting debate over Syria has exposed a rift between U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. Full Story
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Opposition in Texas to an attack on Syria continued to calcify on Monday as the debate in Washington took a surprise turn. Full Story
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UPDATED: Sixteen Democratic state lawmakers have called on the Texas Military Forces to process veteran benefits claims for same-sex spouses while it awaits an opinion from Attorney General Greg Abbott. Full Story
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In a new campaign web video released Monday, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst tells voters that "you can't have opportunity without freedom" and urges them to "stand tall" with him against Washington encroachment on Texas values. Full Story
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Former State Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, says he will run for the Railroad Commission, joining a crowded field. Full Story
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Among Texans in Congress, opposition to military action in Syria may be hardening. Full Story
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In this edition of the Texas Weekly Newsreel: Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson is hanging up his robe, and 2014 candidates are busy trying to convince potential donors they're worth an investment. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Abbott won't say whether state will sue over San Antonio ordinance; 2014 primaries to use maps approved this summer; Abbott asked for ruling on same-sex veteran benefits Full Story
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The state’s 2014 primaries will be held using the congressional and legislative maps approved this summer by lawmakers during a special session, a federal panel of judges in San Antonio ruled Friday. Full Story
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