When the Legislature decamped from Austin in July, there was a sense of order in Texas politics. And yet, as Rick Perry returns a mere seven months later, conditions on the ground in Texas border on the chaotic.
Politics
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Politics
On the Records: Craig James Releases Tax Returns
Craig James, the former sports commentator who is running to replace Republican U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, has released his tax returns from the last five years. Expect his opponents to follow suit.
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Inside Intelligence
Inside Intelligence: Trying to Catch On
The insiders think Ron Paul’s biggest obstacle is Ron Paul, are pessimistic about Texas Democrats, and predict Democratic primaries focused on education and Republican primaries focused on spending and taxes.
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Politics
Voter ID Mudslinging Continues
The U.S. Department of Justice is keeping Texans guessing as to whether they will have to furnish photo IDs before casting their ballots. But a fresh lawsuit has spurred a new round of mudslinging directed at the law’s Republican backers.
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Health care
Weekend Insider: Abortion Sonogram Law, Cancelling Highschool Sports
Emily Ramshaw explains how family planning clinics are complying with the state’s new abortion sonogram law. Morgan Smith shows us a school district that is canceling its sports program.
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Politics
TWIA Board Approves Third-Party Financial Review
Despite opposition from state Rep. Larry Taylor, who co-chairs the Windstorm Insurance Legislative Oversight Board, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association’s board decided today to hire a third party to assess its financial structure.
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Politics
Rick Perry and Texas Voters: The Morning After
The underlying fundamentals that buttressed Gov. Rick Perry’s political power in the state are not much changed, and they suggest that the governor will reassert his powerful presence in Texas politics now that he is back.
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TribCast
The Weekly TribCast: Episode 116
Evan, Ross, Reeve and Ben take the TribCast on the road with a special live edition recorded at The Cactus Cafe as part of KUT’s Views and Brews series. The topic? Rick Perry, of course.
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Politics
Campaign Roundup: The Week’s Political News
One of the “poor” U.S. Senate candidates in Texas claims to have caught up with one of the “rich” ones, and both camps, incidentally, are getting outside help with television ads.
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Politics
Paul Overshadowed by Gingrich, Romney in Florida Debate
Texas Congressman Ron Paul was largely sidelined in Monday night’s NBC debate, which was dominated by Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. But Paul did have some tough words for Gingrich.