Video

More videos

• Steve Mostyn: The TT Interview

  By Elise Hu Sept. 7, 2010

  Already the state's single largest Democratic donor this campaign cycle, the Houston attorney has pledged to contribute at least $3 million to the party and its causes this year and has no intention of turning off the faucet. The man behind the Back to Basics PAC's "coward" ad sat down with the Tribune last week to talk about why he feels the need to give, the influence of money in Texas politics, how "trial lawyer" became a perjorative and what he really thinks of the Democrats' chances this fall. Full Story 

• A Conversation With Greg Abbott

  By Evan Smith Aug. 30, 2010

  For the 11th event in our TribLive series, I interviewed the attorney general of Texas on the politics and constitutionality of gay marriage, why he's suing the feds over health care and why he filed a brief in support of the Arizona immigration law. Full Story 

• Tom DeLay's Negative Numbers

  By Elise Hu Aug. 25, 2010

  During a break in Wednesday's pretrial hearing, former U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land, and his lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, discuss a poll that shows a significant portion of potential jurors in Travis County already believe he's guilty. They're using the numbers to argue for a change of venue in the state's money laundering case against DeLay. Full Story 

• The Politics of Ethics

  By Elise Hu Aug. 23, 2010

  Texas lawmakers were accused this summer of driving a car paid for by a state contractor and double-billing taxpayers for expenses incurred on the job. Does that mean they'll be defeated in November? Not necessarily. Full Story 

• 165 Seconds of Terror

  By Elise Hu Aug. 18, 2010

  Can't get enough of Texas lawmakers and the "terror baby" threat? Neither can we. We trimmed down and mashed up the most memorable moments from the appearances by state Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, and U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, on CNN last week. Cue Mr. Beethoven... Full Story 

• Perry vs. White on Financial Transparency

  By Elise Hu Aug. 12, 2010

  Gov. Rick Perry said Thursday that his opponent, Bill White, needs to reveal his tax returns from the years he was deputy energy secretary before the two can publicly debate. Perry further suggested White may be hiding something. White insisted the financial disclosure forms he submitted as part of his confirmation process are far more thorough than his income tax records, and those forms are already publicly available. Full Story 

• Bill White on His Donors/Appointments

  By Elise Hu Aug. 12, 2010

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White discusses ethics during a recent news conference from the Travis County Democratic Party headquarters. Full Story 

• Obama: "It's Good To Be Back"

  By Todd Wiseman Aug. 9, 2010

  Watch the start of President Barack Obama's Monday speech at the University of Texas. Full Story 

• A Conversation with Kip Averitt

  By Elise Hu Aug. 4, 2010

  No longer a government official, former state Sen. Kip Averitt talked with the Tribune's Ross Ramsey about politics and parties, redistricting, things left undone and how the Legislature has changed during his time there. Full Story 

• Autism in Texas Schools: Ben's Story

  By Elise Hu Aug. 4, 2010

  Central Texas parent Charity Smith Bartell discusses the challenges her autistic son faces in the Texas public school system. Unsatisfied with Ben’s progress in the classroom, Bartell has invested her own time and money into tutoring him at home to meet his complex educational needs. Full Story 

• White: Land Deals Influenced Grant

  By Elise Hu July 30, 2010

  Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White accuses Gov. Rick Perry of giving special consideration to a grant request from a company whose founder was involved with a controversial land deal. The deal netted the governor a $500,000 profit. The governor's spokeswoman says the transaction was "thoroughly vetted." Full Story 

• Face-Off: Porter vs. Weems

  By Elise Hu July 29, 2010

  The two men battling for a spot on the Texas Railroad Commission go head-to-head — virtually — in the latest installment of our Face-Off video series. Watch as political novice and certified public accountant David Porter, a Midland Republican, debates Democrat Jeff Weems, an oil and gas attorney from Houston, on their respective qualifications for the job, whether there are enough pipeline inspectors and and the proper balance between environmental regulation and economic growth. Full Story