The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on the use of corporate expenditures. And a new national poll released Monday by the Center for Politics and Governance at the LBJ School of Public Affairs takes an in-depth look at how the country feels about money in politics. Including how corporate money should be used in a campaign. KUT’s Ben Philpott reports how federal campaign finance could change after that ruling.
State Government
Stay informed on Texas state government with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the governor, Legislature, state agencies, and policies shaping the future of Texas.
TribBlog: Physical Education Requirements Soon to be Gone
Amid handwringing over child obesity, SBOE likely will eliminate health and physical education requirements at this week’s meeting.
TribBlog: In his own words
The full text from state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh’s e-mail response to The Texas Tribune for the story “Shapleigh Ever After” is pretty illuminating. Here it is for your viewing pleasure.
The Brief: November 16, 2009
It’s as true in Texas’ non-race for U.S. Senate as anywhere else: The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Into Thin Air
Lobbyists spent a record $15 million on advertising during the 2005 session and another $12 million in 2007 — but less than $1 million this year. What happened?
Shapleigh Ever After
The longtime El Paso state senator, who said last month that he would not run for reelection, hasn’t revealed his statewide ambitions, but his public and private remarks leave little doubt that he’s seriously considering a gubernatorial bid.
Size Doesn’t Matter
Americans are less concerned about the amount of money in politics than about where the dough comes from, according to a new survey done by researchers at UT-Austin.
Hopson’s Choice
Rep. Chuck Hopson, D-Jacksonville, will seek reelection, but as a Republican — a move that might save his neck while wrecking his former party’s chances at winning a majority in the House.


