The Texas House tentatively passed SB 4 on Tuesday afternoon, following nearly four hours of debate in which Democrats argued the congressional redistricting plans under consideration would “ensure” minority voters will lack proper representation in Congress.
Politics
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Politics
Perry: Voters Want More Options in GOP Field
Gov. Rick Perry, in New York for a speech that’s fueling speculation about a possible run for the White House, said today that voters seem hungry for more candidates to pick from in the presidential contest. Perry, in an interview with the Tribune, said there’s still ample time to get in the race.
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Higher Education
Guest Column: Another Look at the Productivity of UT Teachers
The report on UT teachers’ productivity by Richard Vedder and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity is technically accurate — but substantively misleading. A deeper analysis raises troubling questions about how Vedder would change UT.
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Politics
Gingrich Defections Fuel More Talk of Perry Run
Newt Gingrich lost his presidential campaign staff Thursday, adding to rampant speculation that Gov. Rick Perry will scoop them up to launch his own White House bid. Two of the aides, Gingrich campaign manager Rob Johnson and consultant Dave Carney, have extensive links to Perry.
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Politics
Redistricting Map On Its Way to Texas House
The Texas House Redistricting Committee approved a new version of the congressional map that makes a few tweaks, mainly in North and South Texas. But the overall goal remains the same: Maintain and expand Republican power in Washington.
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Politics
Christian Leader Explains Views on Heaven and Hell
Are non-Christians bound for the gates of hell? The topic has generated heated discussion since Tim Wildmon, the president of the American Family Association, which Gov. Rick Perry has tapped to stage his Aug. 6 prayer vigil, told the Tribune that he believed only Christians will escape eternal damnation.
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Higher Education
Redistricting: A Better Way? Many Think So
Tuesday’s contentious debate on the state Senate floor over a proposed congressional redistricting map, which passed on a party line vote, was just a hint of why graduate students at Texas A&M University — and even some lawmakers — are studying alternative ways to handle the process.
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Politics
Updated: Senate Panel Approves Map
State GOP leaders want quick action on a new congressional map that would transform the district of Tea Party godfather Ron Paul. Paul says he doesn’t feel “targeted” by the proposal.
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Politics
Imperiled Doggett “Ready to Battle” New Map
Under a new congressional redistricting map, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, would lose 60,000 constituents who voted for President Barack Obama in 2008. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune talked with Doggett about the proposal, which the congressman said “plunged a dagger into the heart” of Travis County.
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Politics
Updated: Perry Adds Redistricting to Agenda
Not only is there finally a congressional map in legislative form, but Gov. Rick Perry has added that to the list of issues lawmakers will address during the special session. Hearings on the new map have been set for Friday.