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Ben Philpott is a senior reporter for KUT-FM, Austin’s National Public Radio affiliate. He has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002, during which time he has been recognized for outstanding radio journalism by the Radio and Television News Directors Association, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, the Houston Press Club and the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters. Before moving to Texas, he worked in public radio in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala., and at several television stations in Alabama and Tennessee. Born in New York City and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Philpott graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in broadcast journalism.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in a federal campaign finance case could have an immediate affect on state elections here in Texas, where a ban on corporate contributions has been on the books. Ben Philpott, who's covering the governor's race for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report. Full Story
The Chief Justice of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals should not be reprimanded for actions that led to the execution of a death row inmate in 2007: That's the opinion of the judge who presided over her ethics trial last year. Ben Philpott, reporting for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this story. Full Story
Three candidates for the Republican Party nomination for Governor faced off last night in the first debate of the 2010 election. It’s been months since Governor Rick Perry and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison announced they’d be running for governor in 2010. The campaign machinery for both have been pumping out information throughout 2009. But for many voters – last night’s debate was their first chance to kick the tires and figure out how the candidates stand on a handful of topics. Ben Philpott, who's covering the Texas governor's race for KUT News and the Texas Tribune, reports on what differences emerged from last night’s debate. Full Story
The three Republicans who want to be governor of Texas — Rick Perry, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Debra Medina — meet in their first debate tonight in Denton (and on statewide television and radio), each hoping to ignite support for the March 2 primary election. Full Story
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Rick Perry, Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina will meet on stage tonight at the University of North Texas campus in Denton for the first gubernatorial debate. While their interplay will only last an hour, putting the show together took weeks, with dozens of people working on details from set design to question preparation. Ben Philpott, who’s covering the governor’s race for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this audio postcard featuring people who make a career out of getting ready for the big night. Full Story
The GOP challengers to Rick Perry released new border policy initiatives this week. Ben Philpott, who's covering the governor's race for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report. Full Story
Census offices across Texas are gearing up to collect data for the 2010 census. Population growth in Texas is expected to bring the state 3 to 4 new congressional seats. Ben Philpott, who's covering politics for KUT News and the Tribune, says it will also lead to another round of redistricting battles between Democrats and Republicans. Full Story
What does the 2010 census mean for 2011 redistricting? Ben Philpott filed this report for KUT News and the Tribune. Full Story
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Sen. John Cornyn says the only double standard that needs to be talked about is Senator Harry Reid's. Full Story
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Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson invited both of the Democrats running for his job to stop by for a crash course on what the General Land Office does. Full Story