Although Texas has more massive universities and small colleges than just about any other state, higher education doesn’t rank high among issues in play during the governor’s race. Reporting on the 2010 election for Tribune partner KUT-FM, Nathan Bernier explains why some people think it deserves greater attention.
Politics
Stay informed with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth political coverage, including Texas elections, state government, policy debates, and the leaders shaping the future of the state.
Poll: What Texans are worried about
The economy clearly leads Texans’ list of concerns about the country in the inaugural University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Trouble in the big tent
Those watching the Perry-Hutchison brawl for hints of the GOP’s future may be looking in the wrong place. A small race for the State Board of Education gives a glimpse into the party’s inner-turmoil.
A Brief History of Fratricide
Ask a Republican who’s not on Gov. Rick Perry or Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison’s payroll about the 2010 governor’s primary, and you’ll get a response about a well-timed trip to Palm Springs in early March, when the two candidates square off. Party faithful want to stay above the fray: Primary challenges to longstanding incumbents tend to get rough quick.
The Polling Center: About Democratic results
To clear up some apparent confusion: Hank Gilbert was included on the survey.
The Polling Center: Our Inaugural Election Survey
The results of the first UT/Texas Tribune poll, which was in the field from October 20-27 and sampled 800 Texans who identified themselves as registered voters, shows Texas slowly turning their attention to the 2010 elections. Perhaps more to the point, they have become extremely skeptical about the direction of the federal government. Today we’ll focus on the election match ups and what they tell us about the state of play a little less than six months out from the March primaries.
Bartlett: GOP is “losing a great opportunity” with Latinos
Dan Bartlett, George W. Bush’s communications director and counselor, talks with the Tribune’s Evan Smith about the GOP’s missed opportunity to reach out to Latino voters. (To listen to the full thirty-minute interview with Bartlett, see related stories.)
Perry leads KBH by 12
In the inaugural University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll, Rick Perry has the support of 42 percent of self-identified GOP gubernatorial primary voters to Kay Bailey Hutchison’s 30 percent — but Debra Medina could be a spoiler in March. On the Democratic side, Undecided and Kinky Friedman lead the pack.
El Paso shuffle
State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh’s decision not to run for reelection in 2010 sets the stage for Democratic showdowns among El Paso politicos.

