Laura Thompson is the first independent to serve in the Texas Legislature in more than a half-century, even though she won’t be there long. The last was Howard Green, the grandfather of actor Ethan Hawke.
Politics
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The Ticket
Trump’s Bounce Fades After Democratic Convention (Podcast)
This week on The Ticket: Jay Root and Ben Philpott revisit Donald Trump’s bad week on the campaign trail and dissect the latest polls with UT-Austin pollster Jim Henson.
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Politics
Resignation Leaves Dallas County GOP Broke and Feuding
After less than two months on the job Dallas County’s Republican chairman has quit, leaving behind an organization in financial distress and setting off a breakneck race to replace him, with a state senator’s twin brother deep in the fray.
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Politics
Texas Agrees to Weaken Voter ID Law For November Election
Texas agreed Wednesday to terms that will weaken its voter ID law and that lawyers suing the state say will make it easier for minorities to cast a ballot in the November general election.
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Health care
To Fight Zika, Texas Medicaid Will Pay for Mosquito Repellent
Texas officials announced on Wednesday they would allow Medicaid to pay for mosquito repellent for women in the hopes of preventing the Zika virus.
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Politics
Analysis: Texas Voters Take Hit While Judges Ponder Election Laws
The evidence is piling up: If the law allows Texas and other states to discriminate, they will discriminate.
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Politics
Independent Wins Race to Temporarily Fill McClendon Seat
Independent Laura Thompson has won the special election runoff to temporarily fill the seat of former state Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio.
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Politics
Tim Kaine Heading to Texas for Hillary Clinton Fundraisers
Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine is coming to Texas next week to raise money for Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the White House.
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Politics
Amid Trump Attacks, Abbott Defends Fallen Muslim Soldier’s Family
Gov. Greg Abbott is coming to the defense of a fallen Muslim soldier’s family, which has been under attack from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
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Politics
Analysis: See How Texans Turn Out, Vote in Presidential Elections
As we start this 99-day sprint to Election Day (and somewhat in the spirit of the summer Olympics), it seems like a good time to open the records and see what Texas voters have done in past presidential election years.