The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Evan, Emily, Ben and Reeve talk about George P. Bush's launch of his bid for land commissioner, the chances of Medicaid expansion in Texas, and the ongoing questions about the University of Texas Law School Foundation. Full Story
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Republicans and Democrats from Texas’ congressional delegation have come together to file legislation that would allow for public-private partnerships to fund port infrastructure improvements and staff increases. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz on Wednesday gave his first formal speech on the Senate floor, urging his colleagues to support an amendment to defund federal health reform. Full Story
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According to the latest UT/Texas Tribune Poll, rural men and urban women are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to attitudes on gun policy. We may not be talking about Mars and Venus, but we’re close. Full Story
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On this morning's edition of The Daily Rundown, U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, told Chuck Todd that a Democrat can win a down-ballot statewide race in the next four-year cycle. Full Story
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Going by the Texas Weekly Index, which is based on the results of contested statewide elections over the 2010 and 2012 political cycles, the state's most conservative districts are in the Panhandle. Use this interactive to see charts that illustrate the political climate of each district. Full Story
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As gun control discussions heat up at the state and federal level, it's open season on firearm manufacturers' business. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is hoping to bag Beretta USA — currently based in Maryland — and bring it to Texas. Full Story
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George P. Bush told state election officials Tuesday he will run for land commissioner in 2014. He had previously filed papers required for anyone raising campaign funds in the state, but hadn’t officially specified what office he might seek. Full Story
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Your evening reading: at education rally, Davis knocks Combs over revenue estimate; committees hear $2 billion water plan proposal; Garcia sworn in to Senate seat Full Story
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Former state Rep. Vicki Truitt says she's over her primary loss to Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake. But an email she sent to "selected friends" early this month indicates she's still harboring resentment over the bruising campaign. Full Story
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This week in the Newsreel: Highlights from the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll, lawmakers work toward completion of the first supplemental appropriations bill and Sylvia Garcia wins the SD-6 special election. Full Story
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The guys behind the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll — Jim Henson, Daron Shaw and Joshua Blank — sit down with Reeve for a special edition of the TribCast to shed some light on their process and the significance of their latest numbers. Full Story
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As GOP governors across the country negotiate deals to draw down federal Medicaid dollars, long-resistant Texas Republicans are beginning to consider changes to the health program that might allow the state to tap into the funds. Full Story
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Texans favor ending federal oversight of state election laws, according to the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. And an overhaul of federal immigration laws that includes a pathway to citizenship for people who are now in the country illegally would have the support of a narrow majority. Full Story
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Is the tide turning on Medicaid expansion in Texas? Full Story
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Your evening reading: former Perry aide received six-figure bonus; protesters rally to allow Planned Parenthood back in Women's Health Program; Cruz wants law banning domestic drone attacks Full Story
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Whether it’s lobbyists’ spending on legislators or lawmakers who don't disclose their spouses' interests on personal financial statements, Texas ethics laws are full of holes. Full Story
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Texas' two U.S. senators on Wednesday helped stage one of the longest old-fashioned filibusters in years. Full Story
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Your evening reading: GOP state senator proposes temporary sales tax hike for transportation; Cornyn and Cruz join filibuster of CIA nominee; House group wants to repeal waiting period for abortions Full Story
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Ross, Julián, Aman and Reeve review some results of the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll, discuss soon-to-be Sen. Sylvia Garcia's victory in Senate District 6 and talk about security changes at the Governor's Mansion. Full Story
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