Use this interactive to explore the geographic distribution of committee members in the Texas Senate, by committee, to see who's got what clout, geographically speaking, on what subject. Full Story
Full video of Republican and Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate squaring off in separate debates hosted by Dallas public television station KERA (and co-presented by the Tribune). Full Story
When legislators die or resign, their seat is filled through a special election. The new representative serves out the end of the old representative's term. Full Story
A lot of people are rooting for David Dewhurst in the race for U.S. Senate — some because it would create a top political job opening in Texas. What if he loses? It would spoil a lot of ambitions. Full Story
At this morning's TribLive conversation, state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, discussed his opposition to Gov. Rick Perry's anti-tax pledge, which he says is "disrespectful" to the "adults" in the Legislature. Full Story
At this morning's TribLive conversation, state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, explained why it's okay for a "committed conservative" to host fundraisers for and give money to Democrats. Full Story
At this morning's TribLive conversation, state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, defended — and expanded on — his now-infamous comments about state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston. Full Story
Elizabeth Ames Jones, a candidate in SD-25, has filed her response to a defamation suit filed against her by incumbent state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio. Her campaign calls his suit "frivolous and politically-inspired." Full Story
It's great to have experienced leaders on hand to help run the Legislature. But it's also great — at least from a leader's perspective — to have some openings to offer to potential supporters. Full Story
Former Railroad Commissioner and Senate District 25 hopeful Elizabeth Ames Jones on Monday released a television ad accusing incumbent state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, of ethical lapses. Full Story
E. Smith interviews Dan Patrick about John Carona, Root on the race to replace Ron Paul, Batheja on a nest of open House seats in Tarrant County, Aguilar on a border brawl over a congressional seat in El Paso, Tan on the fight over Planned Parenthood in West Texas, Aaronson maps the holes in the state's health care provider network, M. Smith on who might be the next Texas education commissioner, Ramshaw on social media sabotage, Hamilton and Ramshaw on the reaction to news of job insecurity for UT-Austin's president and Grissom on a knickers-twisting historical marker: The best of our best content from May 7 to 11, 2012. Full Story
At Thursday's TribLive conversation, state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, talked about "turning things upside down" in the public education system. Full Story
At Thursday morning's TribLive conversation, state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, discussed his extremely public feud with state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas. Full Story
Rice University political scientist Mark P. Jones looks at the legislative voting records of candidates in a half-dozen GOP primaries, finding some significant differences in House races and negligible differences in two Senate contests. Full Story
The quiet race for lieutenant governor isn't quiet any more, as two senators opened a fiery and very public email fight over gossip that could sink both of their chances to succeed Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. Full Story