The Brief: Dec. 4, 2014
With two sentences, a federal appeals court in New Orleans stopped the execution planned for Wednesday night of Scott Panetti. Full Story
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Abbott Takes Lead in Immigration Challenge
In his 31st lawsuit against the Obama administration, Gov.-elect Greg Abbott leads Texas and 16 other states challenging new protections for up to 5 million undocumented immigrants. Full Story
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![Attorney General Greg Abbott indicates his willingness to sue President Obama on immigration during a press conference Nov. 24, 2014.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Video: Abbott Challenging Obama's Immigration Order
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott on Wednesday announced that Texas will lead a 17-state coalition challenging President Obama's recent executive order on immigration. Full Story
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The Brief: Dec. 3, 2014
An execution planned for Wednesday evening is focusing attention on the use of the death penalty on those with serious mental illness. Full Story
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The Brief: Dec. 2, 2014
A Ted Cruz for president Super PAC is up and running, while others doubt his ability to win over his party's big donors. Full Story
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![U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz on the Republican stage election night Nov. 4, 2014.]()
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The Brief: Dec. 1, 2014
A story published over the weekend gave details on Gov. Rick Perry's prep work this week and month for a possible second run for the White House in 2016. Full Story
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![Governor Rick Perry gives a rousing exit speech on election night Nov. 4, 2014.]()
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Analysis: How Red is Texas? Count the Ways.
Republicans didn't just win their statewide elections earlier this month — they won in ways that only become apparent when you dig into the numbers. In many counties, the Democrats could not attract more than one voter in five. Full Story
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![Attorney General Greg Abbott, who was elected Texas governor, waves to supporters after his victory speech in Austin on Nov. 4, 2014.]()
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GOP Leaders Divided on Immigration Crackdown
Texas Republicans appear to be universally outraged by President Obama’s executive order affecting millions of undocumented immigrants, but are far from united on using their own power to police unauthorized workers and the employers who hire them. Full Story
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Political Roundup: Speaker's Race, Empty Seats, Executive Order
This week in the Roundup: House lawmakers prepare for a contested speaker’s race, some legislators face election before the next session convenes and Gov.-elect Greg Abbott vows to challenge President Obama’s executive order on immigration. Full Story
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The Brief: Nov. 25, 2014
Gov.-elect Greg Abbott indicated on Monday that Texas could soon file suit over the Obama administration's executive order intended to protect up to 5 million undocumented immigrants from the threat of immediate deportation. Full Story
![Attorney General Greg Abbott indicates his willingness to sue President Obama on immigration during a press conference Nov. 24, 2014.]()
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Abbott: Immigration Lawsuit Could Come in Two Weeks
A state lawsuit challenging President Obama’s executive order shielding as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation could come from Texas in the next two weeks, Gov.-elect Greg Abbott says. Full Story
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![Greg Abbott at a Nov. 24, 2014, press event on President Obama's executive action on immigration.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Brief: Nov. 24, 2014
Multiple political vacancies create opportunities, and risks, for several politicians in the run-up to the legislative session. Full Story
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![Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio (center) on the House floor on Feb. 8, 2011.]()
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At Abbott's Side, Hodge Readies for a New Role
Little known outside the halls of Texas government, Daniel Hodge has become one of its more powerful behind-the-scenes figures. That's only becoming more true: He's expected to serve a key role in the new governor's administration. Full Story
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![Texas Governor-Elect Greg Abbott introduces Daniel Hodge as interim chief of staff who will oversee the transition team from a Perry administration to an Abbott shop.]()
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Abbott: Obama's Order Violates Constitution
After the president doubled down on his promise to change the immigration system, Greg Abbott made his own vow: Expect a lawsuit from Texas. But some legal experts doubt Abbott can successfully challenge the president's order. Full Story
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![Greg Abbott talks to reporters at the Texas Capitol on Nov. 5, 2014, the day after he was elected governor.]()
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Analysis: In the House, a Dose of Moderation
As the numbers mount in favor of House Speaker Joe Straus' reelection, the establishment wing of the Republican Party in Texas appears to be prevailing over activists who insist the state is more conservative than its Legislature. Full Story
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![House Speaker Joe Straus (l) faces a challenge from Frisco state Rep. Scott Turner]()
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Analysis: As Lineup at Top Changes, So Will Balance of Power
A new batch of statewide officeholders is preparing to take over Texas government, throwing the "who you know" politics of the Capitol into turmoil. But the biggest change is the Legislature's chance to reassert its traditional power. Full Story
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The Brief: Nov. 14, 2014
Seeking to quell a revolt before it has time to develop, allies of House Speaker Joe Straus late on Thursday night claimed to have the backing of an overwhelming majority of House GOP members. Full Story
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Newsreel: Abbott Staff, Bill Filing, Speaker Challenge
This week in the Newsreel: Abbott gathers staff, lawmakers begin filing bills and Straus faces another challenge for the gavel. Full Story
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Abbott Appointee Endorsed Medicaid Expansion
Gov.-elect Greg Abbott’s pick for Texas secretary of state voted for a local resolution last year endorsing the expansion of Medicaid — a central tenet of the federal Affordable Care Act that Abbott fiercely campaigned against. Full Story
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Internal Memos Detail Davis Campaign Dysfunction
Consultants for Democrat Wendy Davis warned her campaign months ago that the Fort Worth senator was headed for a humiliating defeat in the Texas governor’s race unless she adopted a more centrist message and put a stop to staggering dysfunction. Full Story
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![State Sen. Wendy Davis speaking to the press after a Travis County Democratic campaign rally on Oct. 22, 2014.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
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