Past Contributions

• Video: Cornyn Demands Medicare Plan From Obama

  By Thanh Tan June 15, 2011

  U.S. Sen. John Cornyn demanded today that President Barack Obama take "concrete steps" to address Medicare's funding crisis. By not doing so, Cornyn said, Obama is "violating federal law." Full Story 

• Video: Perry Compares Himself to a "Prophet"

  By Thanh Tan June 14, 2011

  Gov. Rick Perry made double appearances on Fox News Tuesday evening ahead of a speech in New York City. During an interview, Perry addressed Weinergate, Hispanic voters and abortion politics and, when asked about his popularity in his home state, compared himself to a "prophet." Full Story 

• Updated: House Passes Congressional Redistricting Maps

  By Thanh Tan June 14, 2011

  The Texas House tentatively passed SB 4 on Tuesday afternoon, following nearly four hours of debate in which Democrats argued the congressional redistricting plans under consideration would "ensure" minority voters will lack proper representation in Congress. Full Story 

• Video: In First Major GOP Debate, Paul Gets Feisty

  By Thanh Tan June 13, 2011

  As everyone waits for a certain Texan to announce whether he plans to run for president, another Texan made his intentions clear Monday night by participating — in feisty fashion — in the first major GOP primary debate. Full Story 

• Video: Sunday News Shows On the Perry Buzz

  By Thanh Tan June 13, 2011

  The Trib's Weekend Round-Up compiles clips from various national news program that mentioned Gov. Rick Perry and the possibility he may throw his hat in the GOP presidential primary ring. Journalists and commentators analyzed Perry's prospects on NBC's Meet the Press, CNN's State of the Union, Fox Business' Red Ink Watch and PBS's Washington Week. Full Story 

• TribLive: Post-Forum Q&A With GOP Senate Candidates

  By Thanh Tan June 10, 2011

  After Wednesday night's forum with Ted Cruz, Elizabeth Ames Jones, Tom Leppert and Roger Williams, Editor-in-Chief Evan Smith continued the conversation with questions from the public about the Tea Party, the 10th Amendment and one contender in the race who wasn't present. Full Story 

• Video: "Pansexual" Amendment Debate

  By Thanh Tan June 10, 2011

  While you were sleeping last night, lawmakers in the Texas House were engaged in a passionate debate over "pansexual" politics that nearly killed the entire fiscal matters bill, which is pretty much the main reason they're having a special session. Trust us — this is must-see video. Full Story 

• Video: What Lege Sessions Cost Taxpayers and Lawmakers

  By Justin Dehn and Thanh Tan June 10, 2011

  We break down the cost to taxpayers of the regular and special sessions. It's not chump change, but one political science expert argues the relatively low pay for lawmakers keeps many Texans from being able to run for higher office. Full Story 

• Texplainer: Can the Lege Override a Veto After the Session Ends?

  By Becca Aaronson and Thanh Tan June 8, 2011

  Hey, Texplainer: Can the Lege override the governor's veto of legislation passed in the regular session — once the regular session is over? The governor says no. But it's murky. Two expert opinions offer somewhat conflicting views. Full Story 

• Video: Some Lawmakers Struggle to Balance Personal, Legislative Duties

  By Justin Dehn and Thanh Tan June 3, 2011

  Many Texas lawmakers have the resources to stay in Austin a few extra weeks — or even months — for special sessions. But others take a big fiscal hit. And it takes a personal toll on all of them. Full Story