Outgoing DA Craig Watkins considering options, says he'll be fine
Watkins made history in 2006 by becoming the first black candidate elected district attorney in Texas.
Texas Governor-elect Greg Abbott meets with President Obama at White House
WASHINGTON - Texas Attorney General and Gov.-elect Greg Abbott and governors-to-be from a half-dozen other states are meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House today.
Editorial: Stop the games and confirm Sarah Saldaña
No one, particularly Cornyn or Cruz, should let immigration politics scuttle a worthy nominee to head ICE.
Leticia Van de Putte: Clay Jenkins is my Texan of the Year
The Dallas County judge showed true leadership in time of crisis, and not just once, the lawmaker says.
Cruz pushes House GOP to confront Obama on immigration
He wants to block funding of the president’s executive orders, which could complicate talks to keep the government open past next week
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings urges Texas Legislature to focus on education
Mike Rawlings is sometimes called the education mayor for his efforts to improve and promote the Dallas Independent School District. On Thursday he said Texas lawmakers should spend much of the 2015 legislative session on public education.
Editorial: Hagel’s exit reveals a deep White House flaw
Can Ashton Carter bring coherence to a seemingly rudderless defense policy?
Carl P. Leubsdorf: If he runs for White House, Perry faces daunting challenge
The Texas governor might be better prepared for ‘16, but the field is stronger, the columnist says.
Abbott joins other states in suing to block Obama immigration order
They contend the president isn’t discharging his duty, while the White House says Obama has discretion to set priorities.
Senate panel approves U.S. Attorney Sarah Saldaña to lead ICE despite 'no' votes from Cruz, Cornyn
Republicans on the committee, including Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, opposed her nomination, setting up a potentially contentious confirmation process going forward.
Editorial: Why Rawlings’ re-election run is so important
With six City Council seats turning over next year and critical issues facing Dallas, the city needs strong and stable leadership.
Cruz links Hillary Clinton to Obama as he blasts U.S. foreign policy
The Texas senator outlined a more muscular approach that he would presumably offer as a presidential candidate.
House Republicans blast Obama immigration plan in hearing
The homeland security chief defends the plan and warns against a possible GOP plan to fund his department only through March to try to force changes.
Ted Cruz could struggle to raise funds for presidential run
The Texas senator probably will have small donors and possibly big super PACs on his side.
Cruz opposes ICE nominee Sarah Saldaña, U.S. attorney in Dallas
Sen. Ted Cruz called Saldaña "another rubber stamp for illegal amnesty," referencing her support for President Barack Obama's recent executive actions shielding 5 million people from deportation.
House Homeland Security Committee questions executive actions on immigration
Austin Republican Michael McCaul and other Republicans questioned Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on the legality of President Barack Obama's recent executive actions.
Optimus Prime for Texas governor? Write-in votes run the gamut
More than 1,000 cast votes for Chuck Norris, Jesus, Stephen Colbert and Harry Potter, among others — though only one write-in candidate’s votes counted.
Teachers may lose tax break for school supplies
Congress is running out of time to renew the deduction that educators use.
Legislative leaders respond to far-right critics with tight state spending limit
Key lawmakers who track the state budget adopted the most conservative estimate of Texans’ income growth available.
Ralph Hall moving out after decades-long service in Congress
It’s unclear when he’ll return to Washington as he recovers from a car accident and aides pack up his office.
Internet sales tax expansion appears stalled in Congress
Cities and states are mostly in favor, as are brick-and-mortar stores, but Republicans are divided.
Ted Cruz blasts 'Obama-Clinton foreign policy,' says Pentagon faces White House meddling
The Texas Senator told a conservative veterans group Tuesday over lunch at a hotel a block from the White House that world suffers from a lack of American leadership.
Congress crams unfinished agenda into final two weeks
Lawmakers' to-do list includes avoiding a government shutdown, renewing expired tax breaks and approving a defense policy measure that's passed for more than 50 years.
Report: GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson deems Ted Cruz 'too right-wing'
Cruz sat next to the Las Vegas billionaire Sunday night at the Zionist Organization of America dinner in New York. The next morning, according to the New York Observer, they met privately for two hours at the Palace Hotel.
Texans hope for new life for bills as GOP takes over Senate
Texans complain of bills on oil and gas regulation and less controversial measures being blocked in the upper chamber.
Editorial: No smoking gun in Benghazi attack report
A House report offers little for those seeking political fodder from the administration’s Benghazi attack response.
Ross Douthat: How Obama became an imperial president
Frustrated by the modern pressures of the presidency, Obama has chosen to betray himself, the columnist says.
Peter H. Schuck: Yes, Congress can impeach Obama
The hard-liners are right about their right to impeach, but they shouldn’t use it, the law professor says.
Carl P. Leubsdorf: Looking at prospects for 2016 presidential race through Lichtman’s ‘Keys’
According to the keys, GOP prospects could turn on whether Hillary Clinton loses a primary challenge, he says.
Abbott: 'Odds favor' Texas suing over Obama immigration order
The outgoing Texas attorney general said Monday his office will finalize a decision within two weeks on whether to sue over the unilateral order President Barack Obama issued last week.
Foreign Policy editors: Four immigration problems Obama’s order doesn’t fix
Health care, unaccompanied minors and crowded detention centers aren’t touched by the order, they say.
Michael Gerson: President Obama abandoned the harder path on immigration
Obama’s executive order is a confession of democratic failure, and it serves the cause of polarization, the columnist says.
Cruz courts major Jewish group, blasting Obama
Sen. Ted Cruz headlined a Zionist Organization of America dinnerand said Iran’s nuclear ambitions must be blocked
Newly emboldened GOP targets illegal immigration
Republicans say they have better chance to repeal Texas law giving in-state tuition to some unauthorized immigrants, but political fight awaits in Austin.
Abbott, Perry and other Texas Republicans blast Obama order on immigration
A sampling of reaction from Texas officials to President Obama's announcement on immigration:
Editorial: Obama’s disappointing immigration speech
The president’s immigration plan is a formula for failure because the GOP now seeks retaliation, not cooperation.
Obama order covers up to 5 million immigrants, sparks GOP outrage
The president tonight will announce orders protecting up to 5 million people from deportation, conferring work permits to those who have been in the country for at least five years. That could apply to about 1.2 million people in Texas.
House takes up 'secret science' bill; Dallas lawmaker slams 'insidious attack' on EPA
The Secret Science Reform Act of 2014 would require the Environmental Protection Agency to base its rules only on scientific studies whose data can be shared in sufficient detail that other researchers can duplicate the research.
Editorial: A disappointing setback for Keystone XL pipeline
We’re glad to hear that Republicans vow to bring the project before a vote again in January. It’s time to approve.
Carl Leubsdorf: After midterms, gridlock resumes
Get ready, America. What you’ve seen since the election is probably what you’ll get for the next two years, he says.
Texas Republicans denounce Obama immigration order
The president will unveil the order at 8 p.m. EST Thursday in an address live-streamed at whitehouse.gov/live, and major news outlets likely will televise it as well.
State Securities Board levels fraud charges against fiancial adviser linked to AG-elect Ken Paxton
A McKinney investment firm hired Texas Attorney General-elect Ken Paxton to solicit clients.
Republicans: Keystone pipeline down, but not out
Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is promising the new Republican majority will quickly resurrect Keystone XL pipeline legislation killed by Democrats.
Editorial: House should return Straus as speaker
With so many rookies in top statewide offices, the House can’t afford on-the-job training for a new leader.
Senate Democrats block Keystone XL oil pipeline
Senate Democrats blocked a move Tuesday to compel construction of the pipeline by a 59-41 vote. Just 14 Democrats backed it; all 45 Republicans voted for the House-passed measure.
Paul, Paxton hire Cruz aides
With the 2016 campaign season looming, Sen. Ted Cruz lost two top advisers Tuesday, including a star digital strategist who defected to Sen. Rand Paul’s budding presidential effort.
Cruz opposes sales tax on online buying
Cruz joined other opponents of an online sales tax plan on Tuesday, calling it a giveaway to Amazon, Best Buy and other big retailers at the expense of consumers and small start-ups.
Texas Rep. Flores to lead influential conservative bloc
The congressman from Bryan was voted chairman of the Republican Study Committee.
Pricey pen Paxton picked up at courthouse checkpoint is returned
The $1,000 Montblanc a lawyer left behind at the Collin County courthouse metal detector wound up in the hands of the incoming attorney general, whose spokesman called it a simple mistake.
Editorial: Executive action on immigration a bad move for Obama
Instead, he should put the onus on Congress to act.
Kathleen Parker: It’s beautiful when the truth outpaces the ‘oops’
Misdeeds by the Obama administration are the real cause of Democrats’ midterm defeat, she says.
Insurers, Obama allied as Affordable Care Act boosts profits
So much money is at stake that insurers may be on a collision course with the Republican majority in the new Congress.
Common ground elusive between Obama, incoming Senate
President Barack Obama and GOP lawmakers seem to be preparing not for compromise but for combat.
Michael Gerson: President Obama risks ideological storm on immigration
By taking executive action, he is putting Democrats and Republicans on a collision course, the columnist says.
New Texans looking to find their way in Congress
They have just weeks to learn where things are, get office space and a place to live, and try to grab top committee assignments.
Perry promoted aide with three alcohol offenses on record
The head of the state cancer fund saw different treatment from the Democratic DA the governor aimed to oust with a veto threat.
Conservatives demand vote on House speakership as Straus gathers tea party backing
His foes acknowledge they lack the votes to prevent his re-election, but they want their disputes on the record.
Straus confident he'll remain Texas House Speaker despite looming challenge
Speaking in Washington after a breakfast with the Texas State Society, a group for Texans on Capitol Hill, Straus said he believes House members are pleased with his leadership.
Two Texans battling to lead House’s influential Republican Study Committee
“Coalition builder” Bill Flores and underdog Louie Gohmert are up against South Carolina’s Mick Mulvaney for a role that comes with outsized influence and often leads to bigger things.
Ali Noorani: Now that they control Congress, Republicans must take charge on immigration
If it proceeds correctly, the GOP can claim credit for permanently replacing our broken immigration system.
Doyle McManus: What happened to American isolationism? Two beheadings, for starters
Atrocities have turned the United States into a warlike tribe, the columnist says.
Carl P. Leubsdorf: Dems' top-to-bottom assessment might prove embarrassing
To recover, it’s likely up to Hillary Clinton to give voters a rationale that was absent this year, the columnist says.
Mary C. Curtis: Mia Love is black, Mormon, Republican and blowing people's minds
The newly elected congresswoman from Utah is everything you wouldn’t expect, the columnist says.
Cornyn stresses prospects for cooperation with Democrats
He says they’ll have input that they denied Republicans but warns again that Obama shouldn’t act alone on immigration.
Abbott comes out – warily – for business tax break
The governor-elect wants changes in Texas’ unpopular “margins tax,” if not outright repeal, but cautions that will have to compete with other tax cuts and budget needs.
Ross Douthat: Best hope for GOP in '16 is to winnow the presidential field early
The columnist hopes for a contest that pits Marco Rubio and Rand Paul in a battle of ideas.
'You’ll see me again,' outgoing Texas Gov. Rick Perry tells South Carolina audience
This week alone, Perry spent two days in New Hampshire, the first presidential primary state, and two days in South Carolina, the second primary state.
Tax cuts, immigration, guns among 1st bills for Legislature
Lawmakers have two months to file measures before their session begins, though most won’t become law.
Doyle McManus: Can Obama’s presidency be saved? Maybe
The columnist offers four ways Obama can save his last lap from becoming a hopeless slog.
Jeffers: Abbott's blowout win sends Davis, Democrats back to the drawing board
Wooing white voters would require stances that would turn off the party’s base voters.
Mary Sanchez: This election was a step backward for women
True, new women were elected, but the male-dominated GOP is more in charge than ever, the columnist says.
Christine M. Flowers: GOP sweep brought great news for women
From where I sit, what we did on Tuesday was elect strong, conservative women.
Leticia Van de Putte to decide next week if she'll leave state Senate to run for San Antonio mayor
She said she's long admired her local government and praised former Mayor Julian Castro, who gave the office a higher profile as an up-and-coming Democrat.
Jeb may run, or not, former President George W. Bush says in 'Today' interview
Former President George W. Bush is giving it a ‘50-50’ chance that his brother, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, will vie for president in 2016.
George W. Bush says Perot cost 41 a second term, "I just can't prove it"
Prediction: Future presidential historians will be intrigued by the physical proximity of George W. Bush and Ross Perot. They live who very close to one another and can occasionally be seen chatting at Dallas social events.
Influence of Sens. Cornyn, Cruz soars but in different ways
Texas’ junior senator’s conservative agitation could create headaches for the senior lawmaker, who’s in leadership.
Q&A: Richard Parker on Texas' delay in becoming a purple state
The author of the new book "Lone Star Nation: How Texas Will Transform America" deciphers the election results here and what's in store for the state's future.
RNC chief shrugs off Cruz friction talk, says Texas will stay Republican
Reince Priebus gloated Friday morning about the victories in Texas over breakfast with reporters sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor.
Editorial: In Denton’s drilling backlash, there is much to lament
We fear voters will regret approving a citywide ban on fracking rather than strengthening setbacks.
Texas Gov.-elect Abbott’s toughness a calling card
He moves quickly to begin his transition, and experts say he’s not known as quick to compromise.
Perry mum in first court appearance; lawyer isn’t
In the courtroom, Gov. Rick Perry stays quiet as his attorney bashes criminal charges against him as a “comedy of errors.”
Rep. Lamar Smith disappointed by Obama's 'threats' of executive order on immigration
Smith said such an order, which Obama has suggested could be issued by year's end, would "give amnesty to millions."
Editorial: With campaigns done, now Obama and GOP must lead
Republicans’ resounding midterm gains include a U.S. Senate majority and greater House dominance, but they still go only so far in achieving what voters really want: superior governance.
Editorial: DA-elect Susan Hawk represents competence over drama
Dallas County’s incoming district attorney shows that voters were tired of Craig Watkins’ political roller coaster.
Analysis: Texas Democrats are running on empty
Analysis: Democrats, wiped out again in seeking statewide office, look for clues on how to rebound.
Denton fracking ban quickly draws two lawsuits after passing
An energy industry group and the Texas Land Office argue that regulation belongs with the state, not the city.
Post-election analysis: The making of a governor
Greg Abbott's campaign gurus laid out voter diagnostics used to steer his landslide victory, including knowing what TV shows likely voters watched and using 450,000 Facebook likes to follow supporters.
Robberson: Can the Party of No deliver what American voters want?
Republicans will now be in control of both the House and Senate, which means the weight of the world rests on the shoulders of Mitch McConnell and John Boehner, Tod Robberson writes.
Indicted Texas Gov. Rick Perry in court for heated pretrial hearing
Indicted Texas Gov. Rick Perry is making his first court appearance on felony abuse of power charges, sitting largely stoically through heated arguments from lawyers.
Texas Oil and Gas Association, Texas Land Office sue over Denton fracking ban
Voters on Tuesday made Denton the first municipality in Texas to pass a ban prohibiting hydraulic fracturing, which is used to extract oil and natural gas from shale formations.
Rudolph Bush: Legislature must respect Denton's fracking ban
The city of Denton showed last night what happens when industry pushes too far into people's lives and too close to their homes.
Greg Abbott tops Wendy Davis in Texas governor's race
Exit polls show that Davis’ outreach to women and Hispanics fell short.
Carl P. Leubsdorf: Can GOP use control of Congress to break government gridlock?
The Republican Party found victory Tuesday night, but now comes the hard part.
Tallying the vote for Texas governor: Why Abbott won
Here are five reasons Republican Greg Abbott beat Democrat Wendy Davis, according to an exit poll of voters.
Editorial: Abbott’s mandate tempered by challenges
The only real suspense on election night was guessing how much rain would fall (a lot) and by how much top-ticket Republicans would maintain their party’s dominance over Texas politics (also a lot).With...
Susan Hawk ousts Craig Watkins in heated race for Dallas County DA
Incumbent Democrat Craig Watkins and his Republican challenger were locked in a neck-and-neck battle most of the night.
Ragland: Watkins’ star has fallen
Not to take anything away from Susan Hawk, but this was Watkins’ race to lose.
Editorial: Democrats break ranks in Dallas County district attorney vote
With DA Craig Watkins and GOP challenger Susan Hawk neck-and-neck, voters are sending the incumbent a clear warning.
Texas’ John Cornyn rises in power in GOP-led Senate
With Republicans gaining control of the Senate, the Texan will be second to the majority leader in power.
Republican Dan Patrick easily takes down Leticia Van de Putte
Republican Dan Patrick capped a remarkable rise in Texas politics Tuesday, easily winning election as lieutenant governor and paving the way for a more conservative brand of leadership in the state Senate.
At Texas GOP’s celebration, next campaign already underway
Three potential presidential candidates were on hand as the party looks to the Lone Star State as its center of gravity.
Republicans extend streak at state level
GOP continues its dominance in Texas elections, including attorney general and comptroller
Results down to the wire in West Texas congressional district
The contest between Republican Will Hurd and Democratic incumbent Pete Gallego was too close to call late Tuesday.
Tea party activist wins Davis’ state Senate seat
Republican Konni Burton defeated Democrat Libby Willis for the state Senate seat vacated by Wendy Davis.
Voters, ballots get doused in Dallas County
The county’s elections website went down, but most poll troubles appeared to be minor.
Texas road money approved, but it’s only a start, backers say
They plan to tout Tuesday’s big election victory as a voter mandate for more funding of repairs and construction.
Denton fracking ban passed in landslide
The city, the first in Texas to pass a hydraulic fracturing ban, plans to defend its ordinance against any legal challenge.
Dallas voters approve pay raise for City Council, mayor
All but one of nine proposed charter amendments, covering a wide range of subjects, were passed by voters.
Editorial: Voters brought right change to Dallas City Hall
Redistricting reform and better council pay should improve city elections.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins leads Democratic mastery of local races
His public stances on immigrant children and Ebola had raised his profile.
North Texas voters approve bond packages, easing rules for alcohol sales
Garland ISD passed the largest bond program in the district’s history as Frisco voters approved late-night alcohol sales and Sunnyvale supported a bond measure that will allow it to switch water districts.
Denton mayor: 'Hydraulic fracturing will be prohibited in the Denton city limits'
Though Denton County's still a long way from counting all its votes, Mayor Chris Watts says it looks pretty, pretty clear that a ban on hydraulic fracturing is in the cards based on early voting results.
Patrick leads in lieutenant governor race's early vote
Update at 9:45 p.m.: Dan Patrick said his election reaffirms the state's conservative tilt.
TxDOT stands to garner billions with Proposition 1
Texans overwhelmingly agreed today to steer billions in existing tax revenues to the state transportation department, which has run about $5 billion in the red every year.
Proposal to increase Dallas council pay has a narrow lead after early voting
Update at 11:45 p.m.: With 99 percent of precincts reporting, the proposition to raise Dallas council pay is in the clear by a 51-49 margin.
Open races for all statewide offices; Republicans expected to maintain control
Update 8:40 P.M.: Glenn Hegar, who will take over as comptroller in January, released his victory statement.
Dallas County judge race between Jenkins and Natinsky could be close
Update, 7:03 p.m.: Early voting totals indicate that County Judge Clay Jenkins has a big lead over Republican challenger Ron Natinsky.
Craig Watkins and Susan Hawk in spirited race for Dallas County DA
Update at 7:55 p.m.: Hawk won early voting by the slimmest of margins, 50.1 percent to 49.9 percent, about 400 votes. But odds are that's not enough. Democrats in Dallas County typically score many more votes on Election Day that Republicans.
Early birds beat bad weather on soggy Election Day in Dallas
Many voters in Dallas turned out early Tuesday, casting their ballots before the first significant rainfall in a month began.
Election results will measure Democrats' progress vs. GOP in Texas
A double-digit Wendy Davis loss in the governor's race would damage the credibility of Battleground Texas, especially among its big-dollar donors, and set back Democratic organizational hopes in Texas.
Greg Abbott confident, Wendy Davis touts turnout push as campaign ends
Abbott and Davis have campaigned for more than a year, spending up to $90 million in the first race without an incumbent governor on the ballot since 1990.
5 things to watch in the Texas elections
It’s a whole new lineup for statewide offices, and Republicans again are favored to win.
Dallas County’s voter turnout predictions reduced
Weak early-voting totals suggest a bad day for Democrats. And lousy weather won’t help.
Jeffers: Disunity dogged Dallas County Democrats this election season
The disputes could dampen the group’s efforts to turn out voters, hurting local candidates.
Prosecutor protests Perry’s request to see grand jury testimony
He raises the specter of witness intimidation in the case of the governor’s veto of funding for the Travis County district attorney.
GOP-led Senate could reignite budget standoffs
Tuesday’s elections come as U.S. growth has been improving, thanks in part to a congressional truce on budget fights.
Greg Abbott makes final pitch to Dallas-area voters as campaign for governor ends
Abbott, the attorney general and GOP nominee for governor, said standing up to the Democrats' vaunted voter turnout machine presents a challenge for Republicans.
Watkins' troubles could open door for Hawk to win DA seat
Craig Watkins was a rising star when first elected district attorney in 2006, but a Democratic precinct leader says he's now "one of the most disliked persons in Dallas County."
5 Days in October: Greg Abbott vs. Wendy Davis on the issues
Get a look at the top issues you picked in the race for governor between Republican Greg Abbott and Democrat Wendy Davis. The Dallas Morning News, along with partners KERA-TV, NBC5 and Telemundo 39 surveyed voters online and will focus this week on each of your leading concerns in our five-day series.
Four takes: Columnists predict what will happen in Tuesday’s midterms, and what it means
Republicans look poised for victory, but what will be their spoils?
Perry prosecutor says access to grand jury testimony could let Texas governor intimidate witnesses
On the issue of whether Rick Perry should be provided transcripts of grand jury testimony, special prosecutor Michael McCrum cited centuries-old common law that uses secrecy to help protect all parties involved with allegations.
Late attack ads from murky sources hope to sway elections nationwide
Difficult-to-trace outside groups are slipping tens of millions of dollars of attack ads in right before Tuesday’s elections.
Immigration, taxes, health law on the line in Tuesday's battle for Senate
But a Republican majority could lead to compromises, too, experts say.
Yearlong marathon comes down to mad sprint in Texas governor’s race
Greg Abbott and Wendy Davis are crisscrossing the state rallying supporters and reaching for every hand they can shake.
Funding, testing divide Dallas-area State Board of Education candidates
GOP board members Geraldine “Tincy” Miller of Dallas and Pat Hardy of Fort Worth are seeking re-election in districts that have leaned Republican in recent years.
Abbott upbeat on Hispanic vote
The Texas attorney general has made Hispanic outreach a cornerstone of his campaign for governor.
Dallas County Democrats scramble to beat back GOP in early voting
Most are confident they’ve made up ground, but the struggle shows the division the party faces.
Kathleen Parker: The hope-and-change formula has lost its magic
A ballot cast in the midterms is less a vote for a person than it is a vote against the void in the presidency, she says.
John Dickerson: GOP might take control of Congress, but not with new ideas
The party relies on no great animating idea other than the fear (or avoidance) of the Obama nightmare, the columnist says.
Nearly $4.1M donated to candidates in Tarrant County state Senate seat since summer
The race to replace Wendy Davis in the legislatures has become one of the most expensive contests in Texas.
David Brooks: Political discrimination destroys politics
‘Partyism’ ruins human interaction and precludes productive discussions, the columnist says
Carona mends fences with PAC donations to Dan Patrick
The two swapped insults just two years ago, but the Dallas businessman strongly backs Patrick’s bid for lieutenant governor.
Hotly contested House seat drawing Park Cities voters
Candidates are rallying core supporters, who have turned out at early voting locations.
Texas' early voting numbers flat, even with governor race
Election officials were surprised not to see higher turnout, though they cautioned that the final day typically sees longer lines and bigger numbers.
Hillary Rodham Clinton endorses Davis, Van de Putte
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday endorsed the Democratic women running for Texas' top two offices, gubernatorial aspirant Wendy Davis and lieutenant governor candidate Leticia Van de Putte.
Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates endorses Will Hurd
WASHINGTON - Former CIA director and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is publicly backing Republican Will Hurd, his first endorsement this cycle.
Editorial: Straight-ticket voting gives stinkers a free pass
Voters who let the one button elect an entire party slate give cover to inferior candidates.
Dallas tax firm a big contributor to front-runner for comptroller
Ryan LLC represents many companies with business before the office, including recipients of tax incentives.
Ted Cruz on Apple's Tim Cook coming out: "I love my iPhone"; gay rights groups unamused
The senator pivoted to his stance on the issue of same-sex unions: that marriage is a question best left to the states.
Carl P. Leubsdorf: Nation’s oldest party seems unlikely to change its leadship
Aging Democratic leaders Pelosi, Reid still play a leading role as GOP gets younger
Property tax livens comptroller’s debate
They demonstrated their differences on property taxes, estimating revenue and professional experience in the only down-ballot campaign debate this election.
Hawk outpacing Watkins in Dallas DA race spending
She has nearly four times as much left for the stretch run in their heated campaign for district attorney.
Dallas congressional candidate wanted on Georgia warrant
Eric LeMonte Williams, challenging Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson as an independent, is accused of not paying alimony and attorney fees from his 2008 divorce.
After GOP apology, Anderson says fax troubles led to botched complaint
The Texas House District 105 Republican candidate said he’ll end his pursuit of the complaint against Democratic opponent Susan Motley.
Timothy Egan: This is the Disgust Election
How did we lose our democracy? Blame the U.S. Supreme Court, the author says
Backers of raise for Dallas council and mayor say job's gotten tougher
Proposition 8 on the Nov. 4 ballot would increase City Council members’ annual pay to $60,000 from $37,500 and the mayor’s salary to $80,000 from $60,000.
GOP county judge candidate Natinsky ripped for 'food stamp' remark
In an appearance last year, he said the GOP would be better off if voters in a largely minority district would “spend their food stamp money” on Election Day instead of voting.
Patrick, Van de Putte each raise $2 million in lieutenant governor’s race
While Dan Patrick took in cash from old and new GOP sources, Democrat Leticia Van de Putte reported more individual donors.
GOP apologizes for 'erroneous' attacks in Texas House District 105 race
The rare retraction follows Rodney Anderson campaign mailers accusing opponent Susan Motley of breaking the law.
Low-key Dallas County judge race could turn on Ebola issue
Ebola in Dallas has put Clay Jenkins in spotlight, but Ron Natinsky criticizes his management of the crisis.
Greg Abbott touts tea party star Dan Patrick's toned-down immigration rhetoric
"I think that he has and will continue to tone down rhetoric like that and cast a vision that is inclusive of everyone in this state," Abbott told 200 gathered at a Lubbock event.
TV rollout planned for George W. Bush's book about his father
His schedule includes a two-part interview with CBS' Bob Schieffer and both presidents' appearance with Bush daughter Jenna Bush Hager on "Today."
Comptroller candidates enter home stretch on unequal footing
Candidates for state comptroller, Sen. Glenn Hegar and Mike Collier, are heading into the final week of the election on uneven footing.
Van de Putte edges Patrick, barely, in recent fundraising
Democrat Leticia Van de Putte raised more money - barely - than her GOP rival for lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, in the latest reporting period, according to reports posted Tuesday on the Texas Ethics Commission website.
Election Tale of the Tape: Greg Abbott with $13 million in the bank, Wendy Davis about $1 million
A spending spree on both sides -- basically prepurchasing TV time for commercials that will run through the Nov.4 general election -- has left Davis and Abbott with very little bottom lines.
Cornyn clout helps fill coffers from range of industries
His climb in GOP leadership and position in Texas have helped him draw big corporate donations.
Former Dallas mayor Starke Taylor dies at age 92
Taylor was criticized for his North Dallas investments, but he also worked for better public housing, development in southern Dallas, and lead contamination cleanup in East Oak Cliff and West Dallas.
Will district in NE Dallas, Garland, Mesquite stay Republican?
Texas House District 104 pits Democrat Carol Donovan against incumbent Republican Kenneth Sheets.
For Texas governor, it’s lawyer vs. lawyer
In the past 27 years, we’ve had farmers, teachers and businessmen, but Texas hasn’t had a lawyer as governor in that span. Get ready for a change.
Patrick dials it back as Van de Putte ramps up offensive
The Republican and the Democratic candidates in the lieutenant governor’s race are using different styles of campaigning.
IOUs part of Van de Putte campaign, family history
Leticia Van de Putte’s great-grandmother’s ‘promesa’ is a part of the candidate’s stump pitch.
Rand Paul busy on campaign trail for Senate Republicans
Like his fellow Texan Ted Cruz, he’s offering time and help as he builds toward a White House run.
Aaron David Miller: The time of great American leadership is over
We can no longer have a truly great president. That’s OK: We seldom need one, and we might not want one, he says
Charles Lipson: Oppressive walls are closing in on an unpopular president
These days, Obama finds himself welcome only in the palatial homes of Hollywood stars, the professor says
David Brooks: Applaud the low idealist who wants more than hope
Columnist makes a case for political idealism, but not the brand that surrounded Obama’s 2008 campaign
State House District 105 candidate won’t be fired after feds dismiss rival's complaint
Rodney Anderson’s claim that Susan Motley was barred by law from running quickly collapsed.
Dallas DA Craig Watkins airs unusual ad in re-election campaign
The spot features the Dallas County district attorney with his grandmother and makes no mention of his battle with Republican Susan Hawk.
Tea party favorite, conservative Democrat vie for state House seat in northwest Dallas County
Republican Matt Rinaldi faces political newcomer Paul K. Stafford in the race to represent Carrollton, Coppell, Irving, Farmers Branch and Addison.
Editorial: Texas lawmakers need not fear a fuel tax
Bold steps are needed to bridge the state’s road-funding gap, even Prop 1 passes.
Derek Cohen and Deborah Fowler: Texas Legislature should decriminalize truancy
The current law punishes low-income families and leaves students with indelible criminal records for missing school, they say.
Leticia Van de Putte says rival Dan Patrick disrespected Hispanics in lieutenant governor race
Van de Putte condemned what she said were his rival's attempts to dramatize conditions along the Texas-Mexico border.
Carl P. Leubsdorf: Supreme Court’s next move will reveal its true intent toward voting rights
Two recent federal court opinions make a powerful argument that voter ID laws were designed less to minimize fraud than to achieve political ends, the columnist says
Cornyn widens financial lead, with $14.1 million raised for reelection
Sen. John Cornyn has widened his already commanding financial lead over challenger David Alameel.
C-Span to air Cornyn-Alameel Senate debate on Tuesday
WASHINGTON - Texas voters who don't speak Spanish will get to hear Sen. John Cornyn's only debate with challenger David Alameel after all.
Railroad Commission candidates differ on building trust for drilling
Republican Ryan Sitton and Democrat Steve Brown are competing for a seat on Texas’ energy regulation panel.
Ted Cruz trying to help Senate candidates, but his role is limited
He’ll appear in Georgia this weekend, but in many battleground states, his tea party presence could hurt GOP candidates in close races.
Van de Putte, Patrick slam each other in new TV ads
The lieutenant governor candidates began airing ads Tuesday that pulled no punches.
Richard L. Hasen: Justice Ginsburg’s dissent on Texas’ voter ID law a wake-up call for voting rights
Her middle-of-the-night missive calls attention to what Ginsburg likely sees as a grave injustice, the law professor says.
Former aide pleads guilty to embezzling from Dewhurst campaigns
Kenneth “Buddy” Barfield took more than $5 million, a Dewhurst spokesman said.
Davis blasts Abbott for not saying if he’d defend ban on interracial marriage
The Republican nominee for governor noted a Supreme Court ruling on the matter and says his role is to defend state laws.
Editorial: In voter ID ruling, justices side with more obstacles at the polls
Reinstating our tried-and-true voting system would not have led to intolerable confusion, as the Supreme Court argued.
Garland ISD, 7 other school districts put bond packages on Nov. 4 ballot
Officials say the funds are much-needed in growing districts that have waited a decade or more for bond elections.
