The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Greg Abbott's online appreciation for a tweet that called state Sen. Wendy Davis an "idiot" and a "Retard Barbie" highlights the high-risk, high-reward proposition of letting candidates handle their own social media. Full Story
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Rick Santorum is backing state Sen. Ken Paxton's bid for attorney general. In a video endorsement, the former presidential contender said Paxton has a record of standing up to members of his own party "when they wander off the conservative line." Full Story
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The politics of Twitter spilled into the governor's race over the weekend. Full Story
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Lawmakers passed a new set of congressional and legislative maps in their first special session. Redistricting has been a long and contentious process, and it is probably far from over. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Your evening reading: in San Francisco, Davis says she's "very, very seriously" considering gubernatorial bid; Patrick gets creative in attack on Dewhurst; Creighton releases first campaign video in bid for ag commissioner Full Story
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A week after launching his bid for agriculture commissioner, state Rep. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, has released his first campaign video, in which he promises to continue his "stand against the continued overreach of the federal government." Full Story
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The people who make up the Military Veteran Peer Network have overcome mental illness — or at least learned to manage it — and have made it their mission to show fellow veterans a healthy way out of their mental troubles. Full Story
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About 1,000 Texans work as volunteers for the state-funded Military Veteran Peer Network. The 83rd Legislature recognized their work and is helping the organization grow its ranks. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Despite some Texas politicians' drumbeat against environmental regulations, the Legislature ordered the state to regulate greenhouse gases this year, with backing from big energy companies. Full Story
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Your evening reading: federal government awards $10.8 million to help Texans find health coverage; Cruz barnstorming Texas next week; Pauken slams Abbott for opposing airline merger Full Story
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We've updated our Texas Campaign Finance Database with the most recent figures from the Texas Ethics Commission. Use it to find out how much money candidates are raising and spending heading into the 2014 campaign season. Full Story
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The 2014 election season is already in full swing. Here's a completely unofficial — and very preliminary — look at the people who have either thrown their names in the ring or been mentioned as possible contenders. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz will press the flesh with Texans over the next couple of weeks with town hall meetings and visits with business leaders across the state. Full Story
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While state Sen. Wendy Davis mulls a gubernatorial bid, attention has shifted back to her home district. Full Story
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At a candidate forum on Wednesday night in Fort Worth, two Republicans hoping to replace state Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, slammed her recent high-profile fight against new abortion restrictions in Texas. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Perry supporters launching new national group; Stockman invites Obama-mocking rodeo clown to Texas; Senate candidate attacks Davis in new video ad Full Story
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Evan, Jay, Morgan and Reeve discuss the controversy that continues to surround CSCOPE, money owed by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's campaign, and the latest on legislators with primary challengers. Full Story
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In a video ad featuring her adoptive daughter, Konni Burton, a GOP contender for state Sen. Wendy Davis' Fort Worth seat, attacks the filibustering Democrat for her stance on abortion. Full Story
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Now that we've (finally) made it through the 83rd legislative session, all eyes turn to 2014, where the statewide elections feature more open seats than any ballot since 1990. Our new 2014 Elections landing page has you covered. Full Story
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Your evening reading: A&M switches gears on law school plan; Dewhurst is a "listening leader;" former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul won't be giving a nod to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in 2016. Full Story
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