At Thursday’s TribLive conversation, state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, addressed the rumors that he’s considering a run for lieutenant governor in 2014.
Politics
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Comptroller Susan Combs Won’t Seek Re-election
Comptroller Susan Combs announced Wednesday that she will not seek re-election and that she is retiring from public office at the end of her term.
Redistricting Lawyers: Keep the Senate Maps for 2014
UPDATED: At a federal redistricting hearing in San Antonio, lawyers for the state and the various plaintiffs agreed that the state Senate maps used in 2012 should be left as is for the 2014 elections. But they still differ on the House and Congress plans.
Craddick Faults Nichols Over Texting-While-Driving Bill
State Rep. Tom Craddick, who authored a bill that would have made texting while driving a criminal offense in Texas, is pointing the finger at Senate Transportation Chairman Robert Nichols over the measure’s failure.
Perry Hails Water Bill, is Evasive on His Future
Gov. Rick Perry signed a major water infrastructure bill into law on May 28. Speaking to reporters afterward, he remained coy about his political future and wouldn’t say if he will add any items to the special session agenda.
Which Votes Will Haunt Texas Lawmakers?
Gov. Rick Perry has until June 16 to sign or veto bills from the legislative session, but political operatives are already combing through the records of the proceedings, looking for votes that might haunt legislators in next year’s elections.
This Session, Lawmakers Put Down Their Swords
If Texas’ less-than-theatrical 83rd legislative session is remembered at all, it will be known for accords, not discord. Here’s a look at top storylines from this session and what they could portend for the future.
Perry Vetoes “Dark Money” Bill
Gov. Rick Perry has vetoed a divisive measure that would have forced some tax-exempt, politically active nonprofits to disclose their donors.
House Approves Changes to Ballot Harvesting Bill
The final version of a controversial bill filed to prevent so-called ballot harvesting was approved by the House on Friday, but not before a key provision was diluted in the Senate.
Newsreel: Final Days for Legislature
This week in the Texas Weekly Newsreel: Only a few days remain in the 83rd legislative session, and everything is up in the air — including whether lawmakers will come back for more when the session ends on Monday.



