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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.
No debates have been scheduled yet between lieutenant governor candidates Dan Patrick and Leticia Van de Putte. But the two spoke in front of the same crowd on Thursday, making a case for their candidacies and promoting their support for business. You can read the full story here. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry took a beating on the presidential campaign trail for what some conservatives considered his soft stance on immigration. But now, as he eyes another bid, the same issue is allowing him to appeal to the voters who once rejected him. Full Story
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At a House Homeland Security Committee meeting on Tuesday, chairman Michael McCaul, R-Austin, said President Obama's immigration policies were to blame for the flood of children crossing the Texas-Mexico border. Full Story
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Groups pushing to expand the ability to carry firearms openly in Texas will be welcomed at this week's state Republican convention, but the GOP says the guns themselves will have to stay out. Full Story
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A political mailer recently sent to thousands of Texans calls on Republicans to elect "Tea Party champions" in Tuesday's runoffs. Many Tea Party leaders throughout the state, however, have never heard of the group that put out the ad. Full Story
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In the runoff for the Republican nomination for agriculture commissioner, former state Rep. Sid Miller is touting his conservative credentials, but his opponent, former state Rep. Tommy Merritt, is more focused on experience. Full Story
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Kinky Friedman has injected some star power into the race for agriculture commissioner, but he and his Democratic primary opponent, Jim Hogan, have been largely rejected by state party leaders. Full Story
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David Alameel and Kesha Rogers, the two Democrats facing off in a May 27 primary runoff for U.S. Senate, spoke with KUT News about why they're running for office. Full Story
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The first round of the GOP fight for attorney general resembled most of the Republican primary battles this year. But in the runoff, allegations that one candidate broke the law may have shifted the dynamics of the race. Full Story
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This week the head of the Democratic Governors Association said the Texas governor's race isn’t in the top tier of races his group will be financially backing in 2014. What will that lack of support mean for Wendy Davis' chances here? Full Story
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