U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has been in office since 2002 and serves as the upper chamber’s minority whip. Yet based on the political buzz, he’s playing second fiddle to a relative newcomer, Tea Party favorite and conservative darling Ted Cruz.
Politics
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Politics
The Polling Center: Inventing Abbott
For all the advantages that have lent the feel of an unofficial coronation to his candidacy for governor, Attorney General Greg Abbott remains an undefined figure among many Texas voters, including as many as 40 percent of Republican primary voters.
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Demographics
With More Texans Choosing TV en Español, Candidates Follow Suit
The Univision stations in Austin, Dallas and Houston were No. 1 among adults ages 18 to 49 in July for total day viewing, prime time and late local news. And as Texas’ campaign season heats up, candidates are taking note.
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Politics
The Brief: Sept. 5, 2013
The gay rights debate engulfing San Antonio may soon hit a crescendo.
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Politics
The Evening Brief: Sept. 4, 2013
Your evening reading: U.S. not “al-Qaida’s air force,” Cruz says; GOP congressman slams Cruz over remarks; split decisions on veteran partner benefits put Texas in spotlight
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Politics
Testing Voter ID in Little Elections, Waiting for a Big Vote to Come Along
The effects of requiring voter ID probably won’t be evident until March or later, opponents say. Local elections in Galveston and the Rio Grande Valley might offer clues, but the true test, they say, will be in a major statewide election.
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Politics
The Brief: Sept. 4, 2013
President Obama may have swayed congressional leaders on Syria, but many Texans in Washington remain unconvinced.
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Politics
The Evening Brief: Sept. 3, 2013
Your evening reading: Texas Supreme Court chief justice to resign; Texas National Guard refuses to process benefits for gay couples; Cornyn quiet at Syria summit
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Bidness As Usual
Ethics Explorer: Review Members of Congress
We’ve added Texas’ congressional delegation to our Ethics Explorer, an interactive tool to help educate citizens on the degree to which elected officials’ personal interests conflict with the public interest when passing bills and setting policy.
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Energy
Agriculture Commissioner Hopefuls Focus on Water Policy Early in Campaigns
The three GOP candidates for agriculture commissioner stress that rural areas must not be left behind as the state moves forward on water policy.