The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Calling President Obama’s recent gun control initiatives “cynical” and “wrong,” U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said on Tuesday that lawmakers “should focus our efforts on deterring and punishing violent criminals." Full Story
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A leaked White House plan has injected new rancor into the fight over immigration reform. Full Story
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In this edition of the Texas Weekly Newsreel: The House is off and running with the first of several supplemental appropriations bills. The state might opt out of Medicaid expansion, but counties might take part. And Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson talks about why he's running for office in 2014. Full Story
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Your evening reading: George P. Bush says he'll announce political intentions before end of session; scrutiny of Cruz continues; Lamar Smith calls meteor a reminder to fund space programs Full Story
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At last Saturday's quarterly meeting of the Texas Lyceum, I interviewed political-strategists-turned-pundits Matthew Dowd and Mark McKinnon about the media's coverage of the 2012 elections and how reporting on politics will be different going forward. Full Story
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Full video of my 2/14 TribLive conversation with Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, an announced candidate for lieutenant governor in 2014. Full Story
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Weeks after Ted Cruz began building a reputation as the U.S. Senate's brashest new member, his colleagues are beginning to sound off. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Cruz gets plum speaking slot at CPAC; House may restore some education cuts; Patterson expresses support for statewide property tax Full Story
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At Thursday's TribLive conversation, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson explained why he's intent on running for lieutenant governor in 2014 — regardless of whether incumbent David Dewhurst runs. Full Story
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In a candid TribLive interview on Thursday, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson explained his opinions on gun control, immigration and a statewide property tax. He also evaluated his potential competition in the 2014 race for lieutenant governor. Full Story
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The drawn-out sparring match between the governors of Texas and California has come to an end — for now. Full Story
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Your evening reading: House Democrats file measure to test GOP support for immigration reform; Paul to make talk radio debut; Norquist says Texas could change national immigration debate Full Story
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Evan, Ross, Reeve and Brandi cover a lot of territory in a discussion that includes Ted Nugent's presence at the State of the Union, Rick Perry's visit to California and Ken Anderson's court of inquiry. Full Story
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Texas' public pension systems — including the one state lawmakers pay into — have an airtight exemption from the landmark 1973 sunshine law that was designed to let taxpayers known how public money is being spent. But some lawmakers want to change that. Full Story
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The State of the Union may have inspired some real debate in Texas, but a certain musician still managed to steal much of the post-speech spotlight. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Nugent, Stockman say they'll remain civil during State of the Union; Florida senator rebukes Cruz at Hagel hearing; Dallas County urges state to expand Medicaid Full Story
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Former House Public Education Chairman Rob Eissler, now a lobbyist, has taken on publishing and testing giant Pearson as a client, according to recent Ethics Commission reports. The company holds a $468 million contract with the state. Full Story
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Heading into President Obama’s fifth State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, we thought it would be worth rehashing his approval numbers here in Texas. Full Story
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A controversial State of the Union invitation has turned the national spotlight toward a Texas congressman whose reputation precedes him. Full Story
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Ron Paul has asked a United Nations agency to help him take control of a self-titled domain owned by some of his supporters, infuriating several of his libertarian fans. Full Story
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