11/07/2009

East Texas legislator switching to GOP
State Rep. Chuck Hopson says he's leaving the Democratic Party and becoming a Republican.

11/06/2009

Politics blog: State Rep. Chuck Hopson dumps Dems for GOP
Hopson, a pharmacist, has represented Texas House District 11 since 2001. The district includes, Cherokee, Houston, Panola and Rusk Counties.

11/04/2009

GOP schism exposed in New York election adds pressure to Pete Sessions' campaign chief role
It was a big election night for Republicans overall. But their lone disappointment – the loss of a New York congressional seat in a crossfire between moderates and conservatives – could portend struggles next year for GOP leaders.

Houston businessman says he'll spend $10M in Democratic primary bid for governor
Hair care executive Farouk Shami says he plans a formal campaign announcement Nov. 19.

Transportation blog: Kinky Friedman says, 'I don't want any toll roads in Texas'
The Demcoratic candidate for governor also says he has an "excellent" chance of winning.

11/03/2009

Eminent domain, top-tier research fund, other propositions passed
Texas voters on Tuesday passed a proposition limiting the government's eminent domain powers and another creating a fund for more top-tier research universities, along with nine other constitutional amendments on the ballot.

Gov. Perry plans to wait and see on opting out of federal health plan's public option
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry, who has heaped criticism on health care legislation in Congress, said Monday that he will wait to see what a federal health plan looks like before determining whether Texas should "opt out" of a government-run insurance choice.

11/02/2009

2 veteran-related propositions on Nov. 3 ballot
On Nov. 3, Texas voters could enlist the state's aid in establishing more VA hospitals with Proposition 8, a ballot measure that would allow the state to partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to build hospitals in Texas.

11/01/2009

State, local lawmakers lining up to seek higher offices, but hopes hinge on Hutchison

In North Texas, potential vacancies should Kay Bailey Hutchison give up her Senate seat to run for governor could spark a free-for-all.
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10/31/2009

Comptroller Combs wants Texas tuition program refunds to include earnings
AUSTIN – Responding to a backlash from parents, state Comptroller Susan Combs said Friday that she will seek to reverse a recent change in the state's prepaid college tuition plan that would have cost parents who canceled contracts thousands of dollars.

Perry gigs Schwarzenegger in battle with Hutchison
AUSTIN – In his quest for re-election, Gov. Rick Perry has launched a two-coast offensive.

10/30/2009

State's teacher policy had been federally approved, education chief says
AUSTIN – Education officials in the Bush administration formally approved the testing requirements for Texas teachers that have now come under fire from the Obama administration, Texas' education chief said in a letter to federal officials released Thursday.

10/29/2009

Prop 9 would protect access to Texas beaches
Fifty years after the Legislature passed the Open Beaches Act, Texans will get a chance to enshrine public access to the coast in the state constitution.

Group urges voters to OK research university fund
Education leaders urged passage Wednesday of a constitutional amendment that would help create more top research universities in Texas.

Prop 11 stirs eminent domain debate
A proposition banning governments from taking Texans' property for private development is last on the Nov. 3 ballot but is getting ample attention from the Republican candidates for governor, farmers and anti-toll road activists.

Texas voters to decide on constitutional amendments
Eleven proposed constitutional amendments go before Texas voters in the Nov. 3 election. The proposals passed both chambers of the Legislature with a two-thirds vote and must win voter approval to be added to the state constitution.

Governor's race: Is Cheney key to conservatives' vote in Texas primary?
AUSTIN – Kay Bailey Hutchison's campaign hopes the endorsement of former Vice President Dick Cheney will help woo conservatives in the GOP base that will be key to winning the Republican nomination for governor.

State Rep. Dan Branch will seek re-election, won't run for attorney general
State Rep. Dan Branch announced Wednesday that he will seek re-election rather than run for Texas attorney general.

Armey says he mastered dual roles of lobbyist, conservative leader
WASHINGTON – Led by former Republican leader Dick Armey, the conservative group FreedomWorks has attacked the Washington establishment this year, challenging bailouts, health care legislation and other policies that violate the group's free-market ideology.

10/28/2009

Dick Cheney to endorse Kay Bailey Hutchison for Texas governor
The Hutchison campaign confirmed Wednesday that Cheney will endorse the Texas Republican's March primary challenge of Gov. Rick Perry at a fundraiser next month.

State Rep. Dan Branch will seek re-election, won't run for attorney general
State Rep. Dan Branch announced Wednesday that he will seek re-election rather than run for Texas attorney general.

State Board of Education members accused of not disclosing gifts
AUSTIN – A nonprofit watchdog group filed complaints Monday with the Texas Ethics Commission against two State Board of Education members, saying they failed to disclose gifts they received from a company seeking an investment contract with the board.

10/26/2009

Jury selection begins in polygamist sect trial in Texas
The first of a dozen polygamist sect members charged with abuse of women is set to stand trial Monday, 18 months after agents raided the group's remote ranch and carted off more than 400 children in the largest child custody case in American history.

Perry, Hutchison slug it out on Web
WASHINGTON – A bruising political battle like the one between Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison usually means a slew of tough television ads. But for now, the candidates are saving their barbs for the Web.

10/25/2009

Hutchison absenteeism not much of an advantage to Perry
How important is good attendance? Rick Perry has made it a habit to ding Kay Bailey Hutchison each time she misses a vote in the Senate. He began back in February, months before she even had formally announced her campaign for governor, blasting her over a missed procedural vote on a stimulus plan.

New Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman ready to face challenges
In 1999, when Eva Guzman was first appointed a judge in Houston, she was asked if she was ready for a two-decade run at the family court.