As 'Don't Mess with Texas' campaign turns 25, a tribute to one who helped create it

One of the men most responsible for one of America's most enduring public
service advertisement campaigns is being remembered today at 1 p.m. in Sherman.
Don Clark, a long-time TxDOT manager who oversaw the development of the Don't
Mess With Texas campaign, died Dec. 20.

Lindenberger on Don Clark's enduring legacy: http://dallasne.ws/emADNU

Wins on both sides accompanied good campaigning, scandals in 2010 political news

When Texas historians muse about the 2010 election, they'll probably concentrate on the Republican wave that washed through the state last month. Everywhere but in Dallas County, that is. Here, the county solidified its role as a Democratic bastion, despite some hard-fought local races.
 http://dallasne.ws/eNuxkm

Staff writers Rudolph Bush, Robert T. Garrett, Todd J. Gillman, Gromer
Jeffers Jr., Kevin Krause and Wayne Slater contributed to this report.

 

Legislative fight looms on class-size limit in elementary schools

AUSTIN – A quarter-century-old law that has held most elementary school
classes in Texas to no more than 22 students is on the endangered list as the
Legislature looks for solutions to the state's massive budget deficit.

Stutz: http://dallasne.ws/dX85nN

Texas manufacturing sector cools but remains positive

Conditions in the Texas manufacturing sector remained broadly positive in December but showed some signs of cooling off compared with the previous month, according to a manufacturing survey released Monday by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

Brendan Case reports http://dallasne.ws/gw1Pxq

Dry spell means Texas wildflowers may be less showy this year

A bountiful wildflower season is a game of inches – in rainfall, that is. And Texas, in the midst of drought-like conditions, could come up short this spring. The dry weather in December already has hopes for a repeat of the bountiful wildflower displays of 2010 in question.

Simnacher gets the projections from Wildflower Center: http://dallasne.ws/hMURTx

Ebb of stimulus funding could hit Texas workers hard

WASHINGTON – The federal stimulus payments that helped thousands of Texas workers ride out the recession will ebb next year, just as state legislators are likely to enact cuts that could hurt government workers and others who rely on public spending. The Recovery Act has sent about $16.5 billion to Texas state agencies since 2009. The biggest impact has been on public education, where more than 27,000 jobs were supported by stimulus funds between July and September 2010, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Dave Michaels reports: http://dallasne.ws/fTObn3

EPA to issue greenhouse gas permits in Texas

WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency will announce today that it will seize authority from Texas for awarding clean-air permits because the state has refused to implement federal greenhouse-gas regulations. The announcement was expected for months, as Texas officials, led by Gov. Rick Perry, sued the EPA over the greenhouse rule and its legal basis for regulating such emissions. Even so, the notion of federal officials deciding how some 167 industrial facilities in Texas must comply with the rule is sure to spark new recriminations between Austin and Washington.


From Michaels in the DC bureau: http://dallasne.ws/eyI4ZE

The Decider: Bush often swayed by the voices around him

"Confirmation bias, the tendency to seek out opinion you already agree with, is what's driving the cable talkers - Fox News and MSNBC."


More from Slater about Bush and confirmation bias: http://dallasne.ws/hPDAMF

Former Democratic Rep. Paul Sadler says familiar managment style characterized George W. Bush's presidency

Sadler, an East Texas Democrat who worked with Bush on education, had an early impression of the governor's management style. As governor, Bush was particularly susceptible to a small coterie of advisers around him, what Sadler calls "the voices in the room.''



Slater: http://bit.ly/e6JK1D

Will Texas population surge mean another Dallas Democrat in Congress?

As Todd J. Gillman, our Washington bureau chief, reported this morning , Texas' unrivaled population growth over the past decade means the state will have four additional seats in Congress after the next reapportionment. Where those seats will be -- and which party will control them -- depends on how the Texas Legislature decides to redraw the boundary lines for the state's congressional districts.

Bruce Tomaso takes a look: http://dallasne.ws/eD6iUr

Craddick loyalist Woolley backs Straus

State Rep. Beverly Woolley, R-Houston, today announced she'll support a second term as speaker for Joe Straus, R-San Antonio . Woolley, a staunch ally of former Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, said she believes Straus will deliver a conservative product next session.


Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/h8fnMx

Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, D.C. antagonist, gets Obama administration post

In the latest example of unexpected political bedfellows: the state's Republican Land Commissioner--and noted gun enthusiast--Jerry Patterson will be appointed to a post in President Barack Obama's administration, the White House announced tonight.




Mason in our DC bureau: http://dallasne.ws/hZhxBl

Hardcastle says he, 2 others, not anti-Straus

Rep. Rick Hardcastle, R-Vernon, says he signed a letter demanding a House GOP caucus meeting because he wants to get the speaker's race over, not because he's switched horses in midstream.




Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/fFh3Ty

Chisum throws down the gauntlet, calls for meeting of House GOP caucus

Rep. Warren Chisum today announced that he and nine other anti-Straus House Republicans formally will call for a meeting of the chamber's GOP caucus on Jan. 5, nearly a week before the start of the new session.

The intent is to break with Texas tradition and force selection of the next speaker to occur within a party caucus.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/fhoZqo

2010 census results give Texas four additional seats in Congress

WASHINGTON – Torrid growth over the last decade has earned Texas four additional seats in Congress – the state’s biggest leap in political clout in a century, far outstripping any other state. “The 2010 Census will serve as a backbone for our political and economic system for years to come,” Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said this morning, announcing the state-by-state population figures at the National Press Club. “This is really an important day for the American people.”
Gillman: http://dallasne.ws/ejd90o

EPA's rule enforcement on pollution has dropped

WASHINGTON – Texas Gov. Rick Perry has warned that the Environmental Protection Agency is punishing Texas by rejecting a state clean-air permitting program and advancing a scheme to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions. But new data shows that EPA enforcement of existing regulations under the Obama administration has fallen by several key measures. In Texas, the amount of pollution that companies agreed to reduce – as a result of enforcement cases – fell 74 percent in 2009-10 from 2007-08. Nationwide, it fell 57 percent.


Dave Michaels reports from our Washington bureau: http://dallasne.ws/gTOrfa

Blue-ribbon panel presents plan for overhauling Texas' foster care system

AUSTIN – Texas would pay for performance in foster care and cede more authority to private contractors under a major overhaul recommended by a blue-ribbon panel. The proposal, in the works for a year, calls for the state to scrap its current system allowing anyone to start a private child-placing agency and ask to care for abused and neglected children. That would be replaced with a new arrangement in which one outfit becomes the lead provider in a region.

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/gsyQ3c

DMN Investigates: Lax supervision of residents at U.S. teaching hospitals puts patients at risk

The prevalent training model, in which residents move rapidly from observing to practicing on patients, is known as "see one, do one, teach one." To that, Dr. Bertrand Bell, the elder statesman of efforts to reform resident supervision, adds: "sometimes kill one."




Moffeit reports: http://dallasne.ws/hTZ0eH

Funds misuse, nepotism feared at Texas charter schools

The fear is that the freedoms granted to charter schools allow hefty salaries, nepotism and potential abuse of the public's money.

Holly Hacker files the last in a series of stories: http://dallasne.ws/eKedEo

2 civil rights groups claim Texas education discriminates against minorities

Two leading civil rights groups for African-Americans and Hispanics are jointly asking the federal government to step in and force anti-discriminatory initiatives in Texas public education. “We know that we have to be in Austin, but one way that we’re doing this is also appealing to the federal government,” said Hector Flores, former national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, during a news conference today at Dallas City Hall.


Steve Thompson reports: http://dallasne.ws/hmPcj2

Texans at the top: Dems pick Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson for Science slot; Chairman Ralph Hall offers congrats

A pair of North Texans have taken over the House Science and Technology Committee. Today, House Democrats picked Dallas Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson as the ranking minority member -- making her the Democratic counterpart to Chairman Ralph Hall, the Rockwall Republican.

Gillman: http://dallasne.ws/hGYmsd

Marshall asks boogie-woogie legend Omar Sharriff to become its musical ambassador

Lovely story:
They want the 72-year-old to connect Marshall to the eight-to-the-bar rhythms that began there and influenced every American musical genre, from jazz and blues to rock 'n' roll. "A lot of places have history," said city manager Frank Johnson. "With Omar, we have a living link."

This Christmas, Marshall, Texas, is giving itself a musical legend. It could be the perfect gift for a town that just declared itself boogie-woogie's birthplace.

Photo: NATHAN HUNSINGER/DMN

Omar Sharriff played piano at a boogie-woogie concert in Marshall in June. The city hopes Sharriff will move back to his hometown and become its musical ambassador. And as with the best holiday tales, this one's ending is really a beginning – a healing and homecoming.





Lee Hancock reports: http://dallasne.ws/gURjJN

Flores, a felon, keeps drawing House pay

Mike Ward of the Austin American-Statesman had this exclusive story today about convicted felon and South Texas Rep. Kino Flores: He can still draw his pay. Until Jan. 11, at least.

Flores, D-Palmview, was sentenced to five years' probation, a $1,000 fine and 40 hours of community service on felony ethics charges, for not properly disclosing his income. But there's no law or rule preventing convicted felons from serving in the Texas House. So he can still draw his $600 a month salary as a legislator, per diem reimbursements and legislative benefits.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/h2E18M
Mike Ward's story in the Statesman: http://bit.ly/iai4jW

Sunset Commission says comptroller should take over tech co-op

AUSTIN — Comptroller Susan Combs should run a group-purchasing program that lets cities, counties, school districts and public colleges buy high-tech products at cut rates, the Sunset Advisory Commission proposed today.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/dMcEJ4

Fort Worth car dealer Roger Williams pitching economic turnaround plan to sell voters on 2012 U.S. Senate bid

AUSTIN – Roger Williams , the car dealer and candidate for the U.S. Senate, has a deal for you. "I've got a plan that can turn the economy around tomorrow and send the stock market through the roof tomorrow," he declared one day recently.

http://dallasne.ws/gXlwJC

Joe Straus says he'll be back as Texas House speaker

Republican Joe Straus said Wednesday that he expects to be re-elected speaker of the Texas House when the Legislature convenes in January. "I feel very confident about being re-elected," Straus said before giving the keynote address at a United Negro College Fund luncheon at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. "I was ready after Nov. 2 to move on with governing and have, for the most part, been spending my time getting ready for Jan. 11."



http://dallasne.ws/fJwBgD

Sunset panel, industry officials discuss replacing Texas Railroad Commission

AUSTIN – A senator on the Sunset Commission on Wednesday called the job of railroad commissioner "a position of political opportunity" and took two commissioners to task for campaigning for higher office while regulating the oil industry.

Souder reports: http://dallasne.ws/hAlXEI

Exclusive: Gov. Rick Perry dialing it back for third swearing-in

AUSTIN – The woeful state budget can't rain on your parade if you don't have one.

In the shadow of a potentially staggering $25 billion budget shortfall, Gov. Rick Perry – who has written a new book on the overspending of Washington – is toning down his third inauguration.

Hoppe: http://dallasne.ws/fBK4PR

Second Democrat in Texas House announces switch to GOP

AUSTIN – Two Democrats in the Texas House announced Tuesday that they are switching to the Republican Party in move that gives the GOP a supermajority – and near complete control of the agenda – in the lower chamber next year. Rep. Aaron Peña of Edinburg appeared at a news conference with Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus to proclaim his move to the GOP along with fellow Democrat Allan Ritter of Nederland, in southeast Texas. Ritter had already indicated his intentions to shift his party affiliation.

Stutz: http://dallasne.ws/hIGjdo

John Kuempel pads GOP control of Texas House by winning his late father's seat

John Kuempel of Seguin was elected Tuesday to fill the Texas House seat left vacant by the death of his father in November. The 40-year-old metal salesman is the son of longtime state Rep. Edmund Kuempel, a Seguin Republican who died of a heart attack two days after he was re-elected to the Legislature in November. Ed Kuempel was 67. John Kuempel is also a Republican. His election means the GOP will control 101 of the 150 seats in the Texas House when the legislative session begins next month.


Bruce Tomaso has the story: http://dallasne.ws/g8LV2f

Dallas commute ranked worst in U.S. in new, comprehensive analysis

Lots of studies have ranked traffic in the Dallas Fort Worth area as among the worst in the country, but this is the first to rank it absolutely worst.
http://dallasne.ws/foVQDo

Trade pacts could boost Texas, but other states wary

For Texas, trade is a dynamo. Through October, goods exports exceeded $168 billion. That represents a major recovery from the recession and already puts Texas exports well ahead of the full-year totals for 2009 and 2007.

...But what's good for Texas is not necessarily good for states like Michigan, Wisconsin and North Carolina, which have lost millions of manufacturing jobs because of America's great appetite for imports.


Landers reports, with an assist from Gillman in DC: http://dallasne.ws/eQzBYe

GOP nearing supermajority in Texas House

AUSTIN — Republicans in the Texas House now enjoy carte blanche to do pretty much whatever they want. A veteran Southeast Texas Democrat’s decision over the weekend to switch parties means the GOP should hold 100 of the House’s 150 seats when lawmakers return to work next month.


Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/hZIQSN

Abbott hails Virginia judge for overruling key health law provision

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott was quick to applaud today's ruling by a federal judge in Virginia that the health overhaul law goes too far in requiring individuals to purchase health insurance, starting in 2014.


Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/ffmb3c

Democrat slams Ritter's reported party switch

Disloyalty. Misrepresentation. Lacking integrity. Reports of Rep. Allan Ritter of Nederland probable defection to the Republican Party has Democratic state party chairman Boyd Ritchie spitting mad.
Ritter might also be joined by Aaron Pena of Edinburg, dwindling the numbers of hapless Democrats even further. The defections would give the Republicans in the House a super majority (see below) that would allow them to suspend all rules in the House and pass virtually anything they want, anytime they want. Democrats would be helpless to stop them.

http://dallasne.ws/g2t5WD

Straight-party voting skews results, is bad for democracy, foes say

Critics contend that allowing voters to press one button to finish out a partisan ballot is bad for democracy and skews elections that, without the practice, would have had a different result.

Gromer Jeffers has the story: http://dallasne.ws/eDKw9M

Will Republicans claim 100th seat in Texas House?

On Saturday, Rep. Allan Ritter, D-Nederland, told KFDM-TV in Beaumont that he's jumping ship. He plans an announcement Tuesday in Austin. Gov. Rick Perry and other Republican leaders are expected to be on hand.




Tomaso on the impending supermajotity in the Texas House of Representatives: http://dallasne.ws/flbeHZ

Texas casinos unlikely despite state fiscal gap

AUSTIN – Gambling advocates, dangling the prospect of new money to help close the state's gigantic budget gap, see a good chance for expansion when the Legislature returns next month. Blocked before in their efforts, supporters have focused again on big benefits: slot machines at racetracks that eventually could bring in an extra $1 billion yearly tax revenue; Las Vegas-style casinos that would pump up local economies with new revenue and jobs.

Mulvaney and Hoppe report: http://dallasne.ws/hY2g5Y

One-woman play about ex-Texas Gov. Ann Richards portrays a real 'piece of work'

SAN ANTONIO – The actress Holland Taylor made an Ann Richards entrance, which is to say with enough energy and sashay that everybody noticed. She might as well have been wearing the Dairy Queen hair and white brocade suit like on the posters down the street advertising her one-woman play, ANN: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann Richards.

Slater: http://dallasne.ws/eedEZx

Journalists from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan visit our bureau

Our own Bob Garrett spent some time with journalists from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. They were in Austin on a State Department-sponsored tour aimed at offering them insights into the way media works in the U.S.



In this clip, Gareett promptly puts Mulvaney in the hot seat...

Texas comptroller's plan would cut 12,000 teaching jobs to save $558 million

AUSTIN – Nearly 12,000 elementary school teaching jobs would be slashed – for a total annual savings of $558 million – if the state scraps the current 22-pupil class size limit in elementary grades, Comptroller Susan Combs recommended Wednesday. Combs' plan would eliminate the 25-year-old requirement that classes in kindergarten through fourth grade have no more than 22 pupils unless a school district gets a waiver from the state. The suggestion drew angry opposition from state teacher groups.

Stutz: http://dallasne.ws/geiF4w

State edict leads Dallas County college district to scrap raises

AUSTIN – Pay raises for community college employees in Dallas County were an early casualty of the latest round of state budget cuts. Officials said Wednesday that a $325 raise for nearly 3,300 employees of the Dallas County Community College District has been scrapped because of state leaders' edict this week that spending be chopped to help Texas dig out of a huge revenue shortfall.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/eWgevJ

Texas Sens. Hutchison, Cornyn oppose Dream Act

WASHINGTON – Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the target of pressure from demonstrators at her district offices, says she will vote against legislation today that would create a path to citizenship for some children of illegal immigrants. The senator voted to advance the bill in the Senate in 2007 but considers the current version too broad.
Melanie Mason: http://dallasne.ws/gz3geF

State sales tax revenue up 8.7% last month

Texas collected more sales tax in November, marking the eighth month in a row that receipts were higher than last year, Comptroller Susan Combs announced today.




How do I nudge thee? Garrett counts the ways: http://dallasne.ws/gyKqXn

Most Texas firms to pay slightly higher unemployment-benefits tax

AUSTIN – Most Texas businesses will pay a slightly higher unemployment-benefits tax next year, though it's nowhere near the big bump they absorbed this year. Nearly two-thirds of businesses pay the minimum state unemployment tax, and they will owe just over $70 per worker in 2011, up from almost $65 this year, the Texas Workforce Commission announced Tuesday. Last year, they paid about $23 per employee.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/dHLGLs

Class size limits, charter school caps may change as Texas looks to trim costs

AUSTIN – The Senate Education Committee wants the Legislature to consider easing class size limits in elementary schools to save money and eliminating the cap on independent charter schools in Texas. Several of the panel's recommendations for lawmakers' 2011 session would have far-reaching effects on public schools, such as a change in the strict class size limit of 22 pupils in kindergarten through fourth grade.
Stutz: http://dallasne.ws/ezddVB

Fox News goads Perry to criticize Obama: He won't

Fox News personality Neil Cavuto tried his best to get Rick Perry to criticize President Obama today. But Perry would have none of it. The Republican governor said the tax accord between the White House and Republicans - which has caused a firestorm on the left - looks like a pretty good compromise.




Slater: http://dallasne.ws/gXB6gc

Texas leaders order additional spending cuts to address budget deficit

AUSTIN — State leaders, trying to dig out of a hole in the current two-year budget before the next one has to be whacked, today ordered agencies to further curb spending. Agency chiefs were told in a letter that they must reduce expenditures by 2.5 percent in the remaining nine months of the current fiscal year.

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/eWNpc6

Texas Supreme Court rules government workers' birthdates are private; dissenting justice fears decision limits accountability to the public

The Texas Supreme Court dealt a blow this morning to transparency when it ruled the public has little interest in government employees' dates of birth. The decision sweeps aside rulings by the trial and appellate courts, which ruled that government employee dates of birth are public records. It also means that government workers will enjoy special protections while the state continues to sell the very same information about members of the public for millions of dollars each year.

McNeill: http://dallasne.ws/hgir2p

Leaders ask state agencies for 2.5 percent cuts

State agencies will have to cut spending by 2.5 percent in the remaining nine months of the current fiscal year, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said late today. That's on top of cuts ordered in May. In contrast to last spring, though, agency chiefs get to choose the cuts themselves this time.
http://dallasne.ws/g9cxV3

Voters consider higher ed budget cuts in Baselice poll

With Texas facing a massive budget shortfall, a majority of voters want state lawmakers to consider cuts to colleges and universities while improving the quality of education, according to a poll released today. The poll, commissioned by the conservative group Texas Public Policy Foundation and conducted by Baselice & Associates, found that 71 percent say public colleges could improve how they teach students while reducing operating costs.

Mulvaney reports: http://dallasne.ws/e7QqnS

Jobless benefits: 285,000 Texans face cutoff

This winter, unless something changes soon, about as many jobless Texans will lose their federal unemployment insurance extensions as live in Plano or Corpus Christi.
http://dallasne.ws/eWPjH2

AT&T buys over 700 copies of Perry book for luncheon attendees

WASHINGTON – The audience listening to Gov. Rick Perry's latest address on Washington's spendthrift ways Friday didn't just hear the speech. They got the book – for free. Dallas-based AT&T sponsored a lunch that included at least 700 copies of the governor's book for state legislators, lobbyists and activists attending a conservative policy summit. Hardback copies were placed on each seat in a ballroom where Perry traced the history of what he called "oppressive government" from the birth of the income tax to the passage of the recent health insurance law.

Dave Michaels:  http://dallasne.ws/gYr2Er

Legendary Cowboys, SMU quarterback Don Meredith dies

 Don Meredith, the Dallas Cowboys and SMU quarterback and Monday Night Football icon, died Sunday evening in Santa Fe, N.M. He was 72.

Brad Townsend reports: http://dallasne.ws/gVjO6F

Dem: If it quacks like a tax, it's a tax

All fees, surcharges and other revenue-raising measures would be classified officially as taxes under a state constitutional amendment proposed today by a veteran House Democrat. Rep. Richard Raymond, D-Laredo, said his "honesty in taxation" measure would prevent politicians -- if they peppered taxpayers with higher fees for things like driver's licenses, hunting licenses and copies of birth certificates -- from claiming they balanced Texas' budget without raising taxes.

Robert T. Garrett reports:  http://dallasne.ws/ijEpXS

Blue Cross Blue Shield, Texas Health Resources dispute may raise costs for Texas patients

"...an estimated 800,000 Blue Cross members in North Texas soon could be expected to pay more money if they visit any one of Texas Health's 24 hospitals. The Arlington-based hospital system and Richardson-based insurer have until Dec. 31 to sign a new contract covering reimbursement rates. After that date, Texas Health will be considered out-of-network for Blue Cross members."

Jason Roberson reports: http://dallasne.ws/eWRtGB

Texas told to reissue 80 water permits

HOUSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday demanded that Texas immediately take steps to reissue Clean Water Act permits to some 80 facilities that have been operating without the necessary paperwork, a public request that signaled the latest round in a long battle. The EPA issued a news release with its request late Thursday, prompting a rapid back-and-forth with Texas environmental regulators. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality quickly put out a statement saying it had been cooperating with the EPA to resolve the problems and already had two proposals on the table. It accused the federal agency of deciding "to jump the gun prematurely with this notice."

Ramit Plushnick-Masti, The Associated Press  http://dallasne.ws/g3AqPP

Study: Millions could lose health coverage if Texas opts out of Medicaid

AUSTIN – Up to 2.6 million Texans could lose health coverage if the state opts out of Medicaid, according to a state study released today. And while the state would gain control over money it spends on the federal-state program, the study says a Texas withdrawal would cost it much more in foregone federal aid.

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/essuDI

GOP Hispanic group calls Rick Perry Numero Uno

Somos Republican, a group based in Arizona and is dedicated to attracting more Latinos into the GOP, has tapped Gov. Rick Perry as the number-one Hispanic-friendly politician in the nation. They cite his stance that an Arizona-type anti-illegal immigrant law isn't necessary in Texas.
http://dallasne.ws/fDrIXI

Texas will see dramatic gain in US House seats

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Fast-growing Texas is poised to be the biggest winner of all when it comes to picking up influence in Congress in the next few years, and Republicans are salivating at the prospect of fattening the largest GOP delegation in Washington. Texas will gain at least three and possibly four seats in Congress, as population trends continue to push people out of the rust and snow belts and into the sunbelt, demographers say. With strong GOP majorities in the Texas capitol and all statewide offices in their fold, Republicans are sure to use their new clout to cement their hold on power through the redistricting process and possibly increase their majority in the House.

http://dallasne.ws/dL3m2W

State Rep. Dan Branch calls for college construction projects despite budget crunch

AUSTIN – Public colleges may be bracing for budget cuts, but they also may get the green light from House lawmakers next year to build some new buildings. Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, said today that Texas should consider seizing one advantage from hard times, which would be to let universities lock in contractors and borrowing costs at steep discounts.

http://dallasne.ws/gU4pHt

Dallas-area jobless pull belts even tighter as unemployment benefits expire

Extended unemployment benefits are set to run out this week for 17,000 laid-off workers in North Texas, curtailing biweekly payments that have kept many in their homes and casting a pall as the holidays approach. Unless Congress solves a partisan deadlock, by Jan. 1 about 35,000 people in Dallas, Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties will lose their federally paid benefits.
Bob Garrett and Brendan Case report: http://dallasne.ws/eQ4rn0

Retiree medical costs could be as much as $400,000, report says

Men who are 55 years old today will need savings of $111,000 to $354,000 to retire in 2020 – and that's just to cover health care expenses. Women that age will need $147,000 to $406,000 in savings because they tend to live longer.

Jason Roberson: http://dallasne.ws/erW89V

ERCOT's new nodal system for electricity grid expected to save Texas consumers billions

The Texas electricity grid is about to fundamentally change the way it operates, and here's hoping you won't notice. On Wednesday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas will begin assigning the cost of power line congestion to the company causing that congestion. Currently, those costs are socialized across each region.

Souder: http://dallasne.ws/gZ3BIa

Van Taylor backs Paxton for speaker

Collin County freshman Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano, has endorsed fellow Collin County lawmaker Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, for House speaker, bringing Paxton's public pledge list to 12. Seventy six votes are needed to be the top dog in the 150-member House.

Robert T. Garrett has the latest: http://dallasne.ws/fznpcl

Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs extradited from Utah to face trial on Texas sex assault charges

SAN ANTONIO – Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs has been extradited from Utah to Texas to face trial on bigamy and sexual assault charges.
The AP reports: http://dallasne.ws/e3ISEi

Tea party activist criticizes Stefani Carter, R-Dallas, for support of Straus in Texas House speaker race

There's already friction between a local tea party leader and one of the Republicans newly elected to the state House. In a recent open letter, Dallas tea party activist Ken Emanuelson expressed "considerable dismay" that Stefani Carter, R-Dallas, was supporting incumbent Joe Straus for House speaker.

Gromer Jeffers: http://dallasne.ws/gqDg3K

Gov. Rick Perry's office asks tech fund panelist involved in stock deal to consider quitting

Gov. Rick Perry's office wants a member of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund's advisory committee to consider resigning in the wake of a Texas Rangers investigation into a stock deal. Austin entrepreneur William E. Morrow "has been asked to evaluate whether his continued service on the TETF advisory committee is in the best interest of the program," Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger told The Dallas Morning News.

Drew, McGonigle report: http://dallasne.ws/hQ0E0q

In budget wars, a counter volley ...

Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, has responded to criticism that he's ignoring the state's so-called structural deficit. Late today, an Otto spokeswoman said Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, will be alone in not signing a special money panel's final report to the House.
Garrett follows the action: http://dallasne.ws/i8TaRZ

Let the Texas budget wars commence ...

A disagreement between key House tax-policy writers went public today, foreshadowing partisan rhetoric we're going to hear about Texas' budget crisis next session: The Republicans will say the state spends too much, and has a hard time hitting the brakes when times are flush. The Democrats will say the state doesn't raise enough revenue to have healthy kids and an educated workforce, especially after the 2006 tax swap.

Garrett: http://bit.ly/heYtsK

Slater: Bristol Palin, Tom DeLay reflect the country's polarized political dance

"Compromise was bad. Partisanship was good. Dividing voters, us vs. them, was the way to win elections."

http://bit.ly/e2iZRm

Jury convicts Tom DeLay in money laundering trial

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay - once one of the most powerful and feared Republicans in Congress - was convicted Wednesday on charges he illegally funneled corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002. Jurors deliberated for 19 hours before returning guilty verdicts against DeLay on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces up to life in prison on the money laundering charge.


The AP's Juan Lozano reports: http://dallasne.ws/hmTHbW

State will audit Texas technology fund over ties between Perry, donors

AUSTIN – The state auditor is launching an examination of Emerging Technology Fund following reports that private start-up companies whose investors and executives are large contributors to the governor have benefited from the fund.
Hoppe: http://dallasne.ws/fmlWiH

Farmers Insurance files for homeowners rate increase in Texas

AUSTIN – Farmers Insurance filed for a 3.9 percent rate increase in homeowners insurance Tuesday, a change that will affect about half of its customers in Texas. The rate hike is necessary to handle the increasing cost of claims in Texas, mostly related to weather losses, said Luis Sahagun, a spokesman for Farmers, the second-largest home insurer in Texas.

 Stutz: http://dallasne.ws/idGITD

Texas legislator denies targeting foes of House Speaker Joe Straus

AUSTIN – The unnamed House member whom Rep. Bryan Hughes accused of planning to take revenge on opponents of Speaker Joe Straus turned out to be the vice chairman of the House investigating committee that addressed the complaint Tuesday.
http://dallasne.ws/fAyqfK

Conservatives target health care overhaul, Medicaid in Texas

AUSTIN – Tea party members and other conservative activists pushed state lawmakers Tuesday to vote to nullify the federal health care law and get out of Medicaid, though one GOP senator said the largely federally funded program pays for nursing home care for the elderly and disabled and is "not all bad." Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina and dozens of others said the Legislature should declare the federal law void and also refuse to set up a state health insurance exchange.

Garrett reports:  http://dallasne.ws/gvTKnf

Study of Texas without a Medicaid program is 'looking at all options,' says social services czar

A legislatively mandated study of what Texas would do if the national Medicaid health program for the poor were abolished -- or federal matching money to states were slashed -- will examine how the state might improve its existing Medicaid or scrap it, Health and Human Services Commission chief Tom Suehs said today.
Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/fJbpwF

Phillips identified as lawmaker who spoke to Hughes

The House Investigating and Ethics committee almost immediately broke into executive session to discuss allegations against the House Speaker Joe Straus, R- San Antonio.


Before the committee broke into executive session, committee chair Rep. Chuck Hopson identified Rep. Larry Phillips, vice chair of the committee, as the lawmaker who spoke with Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola alleging inappropriate behavior from the Speaker's camp.

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/eSoXwI

Zedler, two West Texas freshmen back Paxton

Returning Fort Worth GOP lawmaker Bill Zedler (right, photo courtesy of Zedler campaign) has endorsed Collin County Rep. Ken Paxton for House speaker. That's not surprising, given that Zedler was a loyal supporter to the end of former SpeakerTom Craddick, R-Midland, and that he yanked his name from incumbent Speaker Joe Straus' pledge list the day after this month's election.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/fSxKGS

'Tough duty,' says trail-driving Chisum

"I think me and Paxton are on the same little inner tube," he mused. "So maybe we go down at the same time. It may be one of those water wing things. ... You know, they cost 10 bucks and you put your kid out there in them and dadgum! The kid went down when the water wings went down!"
http://dallasne.ws/bzIMJr

Debt limit will be test of resolve for GOP freshmen from tea party

WASHINGTON – The federal government will run out of money next spring. Tapped out. Credit line depleted. Nothing to do but borrow more – or let the government screech to a halt, with all the damage that would inflict on the economy. Only the U.S. government can raise its own credit limit. States can't do it, or homeowners, or businesses. But here's the rub: The tea partiers are in no mood to spill more red ink. Scores of freshman lawmakers elected this month ran on anti-spending platforms.

Gillman: http://dallasne.ws/bdOPOW

Texas Rangers' probe of state technology fund ended with no action taken

As Gov. Rick Perry traveled Texas this summer touting successes of the Emerging Technology Fund, the Texas Rangers were investigating a stock deal between the fund's former director and a member of its advisory committee. The Travis County district attorney's office quietly closed the inquiry in September after its public integrity unit concluded that "no criminal offense was committed over which our office has jurisdiction and venue."


McGonigle, Drew report: http://dallasne.ws/b2PJTg

Burkett for Paxton for speaker

Rep.-elect Cindy Burkett, R-Mesquite, just endorsed the speakership candidacy of Collin County lawmaker Ken Paxton, R-McKinney.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/aJZcTh

Texas adds almost 48,000 jobs in October, but jobless rate stays at 8.1 percent

Texas employers expanded payrolls by 47,900 jobs in October, the most since May, but the state jobless rate remained unchanged at 8.1 percent, the Texas Workforce Commission said Friday. The October jobs gain followed three consecutive months of falling payrolls. A preliminary gain of 3,700 jobs in September was revised to a loss of 7,600, according to data released Friday. The state also lost jobs in July and August.


Brendan Case: http://dallasne.ws/9Jy3bt

Dallas ISD adopts anti-bullying policy that includes protections for gay students

The Dallas school board on Thursday passed an anti-bullying policy that includes protections for gay and lesbian students.
Haag reports: http://dallasne.ws/cjspoh

Analysis: Perry's 'states' rights' battle cry evokes history that could damage his message

AUSTIN – In trumpeting states' rights, Republican Gov. Rick Perry has tapped a fierce anti-Washington sentiment with a phrase that long had a mixed meaning in the segregated South. To some, "states' rights" evokes an earlier era when it was a rallying cry against civil rights.

Slater: http://dallasne.ws/aDfInm

Paxton endorsed by newbies Sheets, Simpson

Newly elected Reps. Kenneth Sheets, R-Dallas, and David Simpson , R-Longview, today endorsed the speakership candidacy of four-term House lawmaker Ken Paxton, R-McKinney. It brought to four the number of Paxton's GOP colleagues who've publicly pledged to vote for him to replace incumbent Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio , in January.

http://dallasne.ws/bMEDvR

2 from News' Austin bureau win national awards

Two reporters from the Austin bureau of The Dallas Morning News have been honored nationally for their work in covering state government. Robert T. Garrett and James Drew were among the recipients of the 2010 Cappie awards from the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors.

http://dallasne.ws/d0Kmxn

Heat Index: A fact check of Straus foes' suggestion he always sides with abortion-rights group

Conservative pastors and Republican activists wanting to unseat House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio , suggest he's a down-the-line supporter of abortion rights. On Wednesday, the Texas Pastor Council questioned Straus' fidelity to "core principles" of the GOP. "His 100% National Abortion Rights Action League rating" is among the reasons to oust Straus, the group said, referring to Straus' score of 100 in NARAL Pro-Choice Texas' legislative ratings for the 2007 session.
Garrett looks iunto it, and finds a serious distortion of facts:

http://dallasne.ws/b5An04

Texas Gov. Rick Perry stays course on film incentives despite advocacy group's criticism

AUSTIN – A national liberal advocacy group says states are wasting precious dollars on tax breaks for filmmakers, but Gov. Rick Perry insists it's a good deal for Texas. States would be better off plowing the film incentive money into roads, schools and other "proven" economic development strategies, said the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research group in Washington.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/btIO7V

Rick Perry open to sending the US military into Mexico

Gov. Rick Perry says he's open to the idea of sending U.S. troops into Mexico to fight the drug war. The Texas governor told MSNBC this morning that border violence has escalated dramatically since George W. Bush was governor a decade ago. He said more aggressive federal tactics are needed. "You have a situation on the border where American citizens are being killed, and you didn't see that back when George Bush was the governor," he said.

Slater: http://dallasne.ws/dfa33M

Doctors disciplined by Texas earn money from drug firms, records show

An investigation by the journalism website ProPublica, in conjunction with The Dallas Morning News, found that 46 physicians in Texas who have been disciplined by the state medical board have received more than $800,000 from pharmaceutical firms since 2009.
RYAN McNEILL and MARINA TRAHAN MARTINEZ report: http://dallasne.ws/90HJLR

Speaker candidates condemn e-mails injecting religion into race

Reps. Warren Chisum and Ken Paxton, conservative Republicans who've launched long-shot bids to unseat House Speaker Joe Straus, on Wednesday condemned campaign e-mails that have introduced candidates' religions. E-mails, some of unknown origin, have surfaced in recent days that mention Straus' rabbi and underscore the Christian faith of his leading critics in the House Republican Caucus. One e-mail promises that "Straus is going down in Jesus' name."

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/dycl9V

E-mails targeting Texas House Speaker Joe Straus cite his Judaism, rivals' Christianity

AUSTIN – Some conservative Republican activists working to unseat House Speaker Joe Straus are circulating e-mails that emphasize his Judaism. Several e-mails have surfaced in recent days that mention Straus' rabbi and underscore the Christian faith of his leading critics in the House Republican Caucus.

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/cQ0PJS

Texans paying highest home insurance rates nationwide

AUSTIN -- Texans are once again paying more to insure their homes, on average, than anyone else in the nation, according to new figures from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. After slipping behind Florida a year ago, Texas jumped back into the top spot among the states with an average annual premium of $1,460 for the most common type of homeowners policy sold across the country.

Stutz: http://dallasne.ws/akHsat

State leaders call for Texas agencies to make more trims

AUSTIN – Legislative leaders want state agencies to further trim spending over the next 10 months, roughly doubling the budget cuts ordered last spring, they said Monday. In a foretaste of heavy cuts expected as lawmakers write the next two-year state budget in next year's session, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, said they want to minimize red ink that's pooling rapidly in the current cycle, which ends Aug. 31.

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/cxprdY

Kay Bailey Hutchison backs tea party's earmark moratorium

WASHINGTON – Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison – an ardent purveyor of earmarks throughout her congressional career – fell in line this morning behind a two-year moratorium demanded by tea party conservatives.
Gillman: http://dallasne.ws/ds1ccP

Austin Democrat says GOP leaders use 'trickery' to patch over budget woes

AUSTIN — Texas’ leaders must quit writing budgets in “back rooms” and stop hiding the state’s fiscal troubles, a leading Democratic lawmaker said today. Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, said the state’s GOP leadership has used “accounting trickery” and dispensed tax cuts without equivalent reductions in spending.

Garett: http://dallasne.ws/dDxZiF

Expert: 'One or two' of Texas' three or four new seats in Congress will be Democratic seats

It appears as if Republican state lawmakers will have "unilateral authority" to draw 197 U.S. House districts next year, up from 98 a decade ago and only a few dozen after the 1990 census, he said. But even though Democrats in the 1990 cycle had nearly as free a hand in drawing lines, Storey said, that didn't prevent the 1994 GOP takeover of the U.S. House. And then there's the simple demographic facts on the ground: "Just because they have 197 where they have unilateral authority, there's still a lot of Democratic districts," he said, citing Texas, which is expected to gain three or four new congressional seats next year because of population growth.

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/bMhtQS

TEA: Rich districts kept their money

HALLSVILLE, Texas – Dozens of wealthy Texas school districts held on to more than $40 million in tax money that should have gone to poorer districts under the state's "Robin Hood" law until the state demanded they pay up this year, according to records obtained by The Associated Press.

Danny Robbins, The Associated Press  http://dallasne.ws/aaNJzJ

Texas speaker race means war among Republicans

AUSTIN – House Republicans have launched open warfare against one another as they vent spleen and fight over whether Joe Straus should remain speaker. In open letters and news releases that came very close to being vitriolic, members on Wednesday impugned each other's integrity and warned that dangerous new lows were being set for what's acceptable in a no-holds-barred leadership contest.


Garrett is following the story: http://dallasne.ws/cv0o4P

State rebids IBM deal that's gone awry

Texas' Department of Information Resources has hit the re-set button on an outsourcing scheme gone awry: It's asked IT companies to submit bids by Jan. 5 for the work that an IBM-led consortium, Team for Texas, has performed since 2006 under a 7 1/2-year, $863 million contract.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/cmfkCL

Straus: Hughes should ID the caller

Speaker Joe Straus says Rep. Bryan Hughes should identify which member of Straus' "leadership team" supposedly told him last weekend that redistricting maps are being prepared to punish lawmakers not on the speaker's list of supporters.

Garrett with an update: http://dallasne.ws/boOXHb

Ambitious deficit plan is "provocative," Rep. Jeb Hensarling says

The co-chairs of the White House fiscal commission issued a set of recommendations today that are bound to stir controversy -- rollbacks to Social Security benefits promised to younger workers, higher payroll taxes for higher incomes, cutting the home mortgage interest deduction, deep cuts in defense spending, a pay freeze for federal workers and staff cuts in the bureaucracy.
Gillman: http://dallasne.ws/deqZx1

One member bolts from Straus, cites strong arm

Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, has taken his name off Speaker Joe Straus' list of supporters, citing a weekend phone call in which an unnamed Straus lieutenant allegedly described how redistricting would be used to punish House members who don't back the current speaker.


Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/9Ppz4P

The day George W. Bush and LBJ first met

Slater continues to mine Bush's book:  http://dallasne.ws/cs7pUf

Sales tax receipts up 6.6% last month

Good news, bad news. First the good: State sales tax revenue in October was $1.62 billion, up 6.6 percent compared with October 2009. And that's the seventh consecutive month of increases over a year earlier, Comptroller Susan Combs just announced.

Garrett has the good news. Garrett has the bad news. http://dallasne.ws/d5qqsw

Guardian employed by VA accused of stealing from veterans

HOUSTON – When Shirley German couldn't get her son's guardian – an attorney handpicked by the Department of Veterans Affairs – to fork over $250 for Thanksgiving dinner for the disabled U.S. Marine and his family, she sensed something was wrong.


Lise Olsen at the Houston Chronicle reports: http://dallasne.ws/cvsn1Z

Gov. Rick Perry calls for federal health care law's repeal as book tour returns to Texas

SAN ANTONIO – Gov. Rick Perry went to a barbecue restaurant Tuesday to throw out a little red meat and promote his new book after what he called a "whirlwind trip" into the seemingly enemy territory of Washington. Returning to Texas after five days on the East Coast to promote his book Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America from Washington, he called for dismantling the national health care law, saying states could come up with better and probably cheaper plans.

Hoppe: http://dallasne.ws/aJfb8T

Texas likely to lead nation in economic growth, researchers forecast

AUSTIN – Texas lost hundreds of thousands of jobs last year as it stumbled through the deep national recession. But the state is likely to shine as the nation's economic growth leader over the next decade, according to research and forecasting firm IHS Global Insight.

Brendan Case reports: http://dallasne.ws/bu5mc3

Dallas' Parkland hospital honored for high organ donation rate

"...the ICU staff had triggered Parkland's highly touted process for procuring organ donations after patients suffer severe head trauma. The program is so successful that it was recognized this week along with seven other U.S. medical centers."
Fine reporting from Sherry Jacobson: http://dallasne.ws/97S1NT

House Dems from GOP tilting areas wiped out

Of the 21 House Democrats blown away in last week's election, 13 represented districts that Barack Obama couldn't carry in 2008 -- and of those, all but three were out-fundraised by their Republican challengers.
Garrett looks at the numbers http://dallasne.ws/9msfOg

Texas GOP legislators flex new political clout in first bills filed

AUSTIN – Republican lawmakers flexed their clout and highlighted their agenda on Monday, showcasing bills that would create an Arizona-type immigration law, further restrict abortion, allow guns on campus and require voters to present ID at the polls. The ambitious lineup, filed on the first day for new legislation, probably has its best chance in years because of GOP supermajorities in the House and Senate.

Mulvaney and Hoppe report: http://dallasne.ws/9rGMIv

Rick Perry says Bush was guilty of 'big government' overspending

WASHINGTON – Texas Gov. Rick Perry , promoting a new book about the dangers of federal bloat, said today that George W. Bush’s presidency was marred by the same sort of “big government” mentality that voters rejected in last week’s GOP landslide.

Gillman reports: http://dallasne.ws/buXmtR

House GOP takeover will affect how issues vital to Texans are addressed

WASHINGTON – With Democrats in charge for the past two years, Congress made progress on issues of special importance to Texas, such as health care and the environment, while neglecting other subjects that matter greatly to the state, including immigration and trade. With the GOP's sweeping election victories last week, Republicans are poised to take those issues in a different direction. But the balance of power in next year's Congress presents obstacles that may hinder progress on most agenda items.

Michaels in DC bureau offers analysis http://dallasne.ws/bNKwl8

As Bush kicks off book tour, historians crown his family a Republican dynasty

AUSTIN – When three generations of Bushes assembled in May at a church in a fashionable part of Miami, it was more than a wedding and a family reunion. It was a gathering of the Republican Party's most enduring modern dynasty. "While they disdain it, especially George W. who recoils in horror at the whole thing, they are our royal family," said historian Doug Wead.


Slater: http://dallasne.ws/9PHGMG

Bush dynasty's best ally: the Clintons

Politics makes for strange bedfellows: http://dallasne.ws/bWrOK0

Will members' caution work to Straus' advantage?

Conservative activists are trying to start a dump-the-speaker bandwagon . But as Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, seeks another term running the House, he may have an overwhelming advantage -- and it ain't money. It's the two C's -- committees and caution.
Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/cPvUF8

Debbie Riddle pre-files immigration and voter ID bills

Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, set up a mini-campground with folding chairs to be the first in line to file bills for the upcoming legislative session. As promised, the first bill out of the chute was mandating that voters present a photo identification in order to cast a ballot. The other bills deal with clamp downs on illegal immigrants, including an Arizona-type law and prohibiting sanctuary cities. Both proposals deal with encouraging law enforcement to inquire about the immigration status of those stopped for routine and other policing matters.

Hoppe reports: http://dallasne.ws/ah36TE

Study: Joe Barton, other likely U.S. House panel chairs have industry ties

WASHINGTON – The top contenders to run committees in the approaching GOP-led House, including Arlington Rep. Joe Barton, have strong ties to the industries they would oversee. That's the conclusion of the Center for Public Integrity, a nonpartisan watchdog group, which analyzed the campaign contributions and other connections for 14 committee-chair candidates.

Mason reports: http://dallasne.ws/bvWep9

Conservative groups formally oppose Straus as speaker of Texas House

AUSTIN – Dozens of conservative groups are urging House members to replace Speaker Joe Straus and his leadership team with more conservative lawmakers. Heads of more than 40 groups, ranging from anti-tax and tea party organizations to home schoolers and anti-abortion activists, said in a joint letter Thursday that Republicans' huge election-day gain of 22 House seats stemmed from a citizens revolt that can't be ignored.

Robert T. Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/cy1v2C

Kuempel dies of heart attack, colleague says

Rep. Edmund Kuempel, R-Seguin, has died of a heart attack, a colleague confirmed this afternoon. "The House lost an irreplaceable friend and colleague this morning," said House GOP Caucus Chairman Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood. "Edmund Kuempel dedicated 27 years to his community and this state. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

http://dallasne.ws/deOZ1n

Texas Gov. Rick Perry heads on book tour

The rest of the week, Gov. Rick Perry is in New York promoting his book Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America from Washington. But starting next week in Texas, he'll do a victory lap and book promotion tour.

Hoppe:  http://dallasne.ws/bSnVdL

GOP's surge in Austin to resurrect divisive bills

AUSTIN – Republicans on Wednesday celebrated their huge wins in the state Capitol, particularly in the House, where the party may revive efforts on issues that have failed in the past, including illegal immigration, voter ID and school vouchers. Democrats' losses were so staggering that they may only be able to block some of the bills in the Senate because of procedural rules.

Garrett and Stutz on the shape of things to come. http://dallasne.ws/8XBXPY

Gov. Rick Perry: shifting sands on release of tech fund contract

Gov. Rick Perry's office appears to have changed its position on public disclosure of the contracts it signs with recipients of awards from the state's Emerging Technology Fund.
Jim Drew reports: http://dallasne.ws/bbJExJ

Ciro Rodriguez concedes in TX-23

Rep. Ciro Rodriguez has lost his San Antonio-based seat to GOP businessman Francisco "Quico" Canseco, further pointing to a rough election night for Texas Democrats.

Rodriguez issued a concession statement Wednesday morning.


Mason:  http://dallasne.ws/9l9d59

Republicans add diversity to their overwhelming numbers

The earthquake that swallowed Democrats on Tuesday night also produced something that the Texas House hasn't seen in a few years: minority GOP members. Not only that, the election produced a record number of black (1) and Hispanics (5 -- with an asterick) Republicans that will serve in the House.
Hoppe: http://dallasne.ws/9SAGVx

Republican Bill Flores ousts Democratic Rep. Chet Edwards from Congress after 20 years

WACO – Rep. Chet Edwards – one of the last standard-bearers for conservative Texas Democrats – has been vanquished after 20 years in Congress. The congressman from Waco lost to Republican Bill Flores in a landslide, proving that not even Edwards' patented brand of intensely local campaigning was immune to the anti-Washington wave sweeping the country.

Benning reports: http://dallasne.ws/bjPEPa

Dunnam: National wave rolled through Texas

It wasn't money or state issues but just the big national tsunami that gave Republicans an open seat and swept out 21 Democrats in the 150-member Texas House, says one of them, defeated Democratic leader Jim Dunnam of Waco.
Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/amEyso

Chisum still targets Straus, who's confident

Veteran lawmaker Warren Chisum says he'll pursue a bid for speaker, despite claims by current Speaker Joe Straus that nearly four of five Republican members back him. "The race is not over," Chisum, R-Pampa (at bottom in AP photo), said Wednesday.

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/cqeHAO

Texas Republicans maintain firm grip on statewide offices

Republicans again captured Texas' major offices. Stutz and Meyers take a look at the most competitive statewide races, along with State Board of Education results:  http://dallasne.ws/b7kTsy

Straus releases 126 names of House backers

In the wee hours after the big GOP sweep, Speaker Joe Straus released a list of 126 returning House members who he said have pledged to elect him to a second term as the chamber's helmsman in January. The San Antonio Republican said his party's net gain of 22 seats shows voters want "continued fiscal responsibility and conservative leadership in Austin. I am proud that Republicans have gained a record number of seats in the Texas House, reversing the losing trend for the past three election cycles."

Garrett on the first post-election move in the anticipated struggle for Texas House leadership: http://dallasne.ws/bEEdIS

Analysis: Texas Gov. Rick Perry set to take next step, onto national stage

AUSTIN – Next stop for Rick Perry: a national campaign. The Republican governor insists he's not running for president. But he's made no secret of wanting to raise his national profile on the right, starting with a book tour trumpeting the season's hottest political subjects: states' rights and smaller government.

Slater: http://dallasne.ws/a7ALJd

GOP blowout in Texas House: 99 of 150 seats

The dimensions of a staggering GOP victory in the Texas House are now clear: Republicans posted a net gain of 22 seats -- far, far more than anyone I know predicted. Labor and liberals are cringing because if the GOP caucus holds together, it's just one vote shy of the two thirds needed to pass constitutional amendments. Pretty big stuff.

http://dallasne.ws/bWTLGe

Republicans grab big majority in Texas House

AUSTIN – Republicans smashed their way to their biggest modern-day majority in the Texas House on Tuesday and are now very likely to draw claret-red political maps and deeply cut education and social programs next year. The big uncertainty after the GOP in one night rolled back Democratic gains of the last three election cycles was whether Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, could withstand an infusion of new conservatives, despite his helpfulness to embattled Republican incumbents. Republicans' 19-12 edge in the Senate remained unchanged.

Garrett on the huge Republican victory: http://dallasne.ws/bLT233

Republicans crush Democrats in Texas; historic gains in TX House

Study all state results here, compiled by the Associated Press:

http://dallasne.ws/dnkuPQ

Anti-Washington sentiment sweeps Rick Perry to third full term as Texas governor

AUSTIN – The roiling anger at big-spending Washington helped whisk Texas Gov. Rick Perry to an unprecedented third full term Tuesday, swamping the hopes of Democrats who believed they had fielded their strongest contender in more than a decade.
Hoppe: http://dallasne.ws/bWvnwo

In book, Perry blasts Social Security and other entitlements

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry says in his new book that Social Security is a failure and compares it to a Ponzi scheme, excerpts accidentally released Monday show.

Hoppe and Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/aA7uNQ

England declares war on U.S.? Fake letter says so

 A fake letter surfaced today that uses the official letterhead of Rep. Kirk England, D-Grand Prairie, to associate him with socialism, higher taxes, ceding of U.S. sovereignty to the United Nations and U.S. government-led chemical warfare against Americans.

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/9yaAXS

Texas governors race: Money never sleeps

Neither does Slater:
http://dallasne.ws/bYXSWK

Late money helps Carter, Driver, Kent, Turner

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/cGMo8x

Perry donor's daughter got $70,000 to promote governor's technology fund

A company run by the daughter of a big-money donor and former adviser to Gov. Rick Perry was paid nearly $70,000 to promote the governor's Emerging Technology Fund, The Dallas Morning News has learned. Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger confirmed that Verve Public Relations Inc. of California was paid to do promotional work for TexasOne. The nonprofit program, affiliated with the governor's economic development office, was created to entice companies to move to Texas.

Drew, McNeill, and McGonigle report. http://dallasne.ws/cT48iX

Bill White, Rick Perry troll for votes in upscale areas of Texas

SUGAR LAND, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry scoured for support Sunday in Houston’s vote-rich suburbs as Democratic rival Bill White looked to the World Series to jump-start his behind-in-the-polls campaign. Both candidates used their final weekend of politicking to target upscale communities, especially those where Barack Obama ran well in 2008 and helped bring Democrats to power in Congress. Discontent with the economy, health care and other issues have swung the pendulum the other way in Sugar Land, and a rally crowd of about 150 people greeted Perry with hearty applause.

Kim: http://dallasne.ws/bwjTYD

Texas governor candidates take day at different speeds

Bill White showed up Saturday morning at his Houston campaign headquarters in jeans, a lavender shirt and chocolate-colored ostrich boots, ready to knock on doors and ask for votes. Rick Perry just knocked off. He canceled a tentatively set foray into East Texas and instead went to College Station to watch the Aggies play the Red Raiders. Both candidates for governor said the race is yet to be won, but there were telling signs that the polls might be right and that Perry, the Republican, has an insurmountable lead that will take him to an unprecedented third full term.



Slater and Hoppe trace the candidates' last days of campaigning: http://dallasne.ws/bTRZcy

Driver, Madden at 1st airing of AZ immigration law

Dallas area Reps. Joe Driver and Jerry Madden sat on a conservative group's task force that drafted Arizona's controversial immigration law, National Public Radio reported today.
Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/a9TICa

Call Central Casting -- or Copenhagen

Garrett on Pasadena election's boost to Danish economy...
http://dallasne.ws/988izl

Poll shows Rick Perry with 12-point lead over Bill White in Texas governor's race

AUSTIN – Defying the anti-incumbent mood across much of the country, Republican Rick Perry holds a double-digit lead over Democratic challenger Bill White and appears headed to a record third full term as Texas governor. With just days to go before the election, White has been unable to close the gap with Perry, whose anti-Washington message and appeal to an energized tea party movement has paid dividends.

http://dallasne.ws/beWdMW

Tea Party Caucus created in Legislature

Sen. Dan Patrick of Houston on Thursday announced that he and other conservative members of the Legislature will form a Tea Party Caucus for the upcoming session to promote positions supported by Tea Party members in Texas. Patrick said members are still being recruited and the full caucus membership will be announced at a political rally near the start of the session in January.
http://dallasne.ws/dBzY2y

South Texas lawmaker Kino Flores found guilty on tampering, perjury charges

AUSTIN – State Rep. Kino Flores, a South Texas lawmaker accused of using his elected position to sell legislative favors, was convicted Wednesday on all 11 counts of tampering with government records and perjury. A Travis County jury convicted Flores, 52, of five counts of misdemeanor tampering with a governmental record, four counts of felony tampering with a governmental record and two counts of misdemeanor perjury in deliberations that began Tuesday. Flores did not testify.


via The Associated Press: http://dallasne.ws/blKcVQ

Texas death row inmate freed after prosecutors drop charges 1992 multiple murder

HOUSTON – A man sent to Texas death row for the 1992 slaughter of a central Texas family became a free man Wednesday after prosecutors dropped the capital murder charges against him. Anthony Graves walked out of the Burleson County Jail in Caldwell on Wednesday afternoon after 16 years behind bars. He had been convicted of helping Robert Earl Carter kill Bobbie Joyce Davis; her 16-year-old daughter, Nicole; and four grandchildren between the ages of 4 and 9 in the family's Somerville home. The family was stabbed, shot and bludgeoned with a hammer and their house doused with gasoline and set ablaze.

(AP) http://dallasne.ws/aZj4kb

LBJ's 'daily diary' as president now online

The LBJ Library & Museum today posted more than 14,000 pages of former President Lyndon B. Johnson's "daily diaries" on the library's website. It's searchable.
Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/bcXZhm

LBJ diaries here: http://dallasne.ws/cWXczd

Former attorney Trevor Rees-Jones is new member of GOP's billionaire donors club

WASHINGTON – The wealthy donors who have poured millions into groups supporting the Republican effort to retake Congress include several Texans who are go-to donors for every election. But one donor from Dallas is a new entrant to this exclusive club of politically active billionaires: Trevor Rees-Jones.  
Dave Michaels has the story. http://dallasne.ws/9Fs8PF

Texas governor candidates Bill White, Rick Perry clash over schools

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry says Texas' public schools are good and getting better. His Democratic challenger, Bill White, says schools have suffered at the hands of the Republican incumbent for a decade and need help from new leadership.
http://dallasne.ws/b7GmiD

Wash's way: A look inside Ron Washington's path to the top

Let's start today by showing some love for Washington:

SAN FRANCISCO – Ron Washington is almost home. Rather, he's across San Francisco Bay from the last stop of his prior life. He was a 54-year-old baseball gypsy then, the Oakland A's cocksure, cussin' third base and infield coach. Four years later, he's a World Series manager. Perhaps that bears repeating, with emphasis on World and Series, as Washington leads the Rangers into Game 1 tonight against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.

Brad Townsend reports: http://dallasne.ws/baHr5d

Houston trial lawyer rides to House Dems' rescue? Why, it's ele-Mostyn-ary, my dear Watson.

With Houston trial lawyer Steve Mostyn's money, mostly, the House Democratic Campaign Committee is working furiously to protect Democratic state reps and put a few challengers over the top.

The law firm of Mostyn provided 79 percent of the nearly $950,000 that the group raised between Sept. 24 and Oct. 23, according to its latest money report.


http://dallasne.ws/dDuj0X

Redistricting hopes of GOP backed by cash

State and national Republican groups are investing heavily in preserving the Texas House's GOP majority -- clearly with an eye to redistricting next year, according to campaign finance reports published today on the Texas Ethics Commission's website and previous news reports.


At least $1.2 million recently flowed from Virginia-based American Crossroads, co-founded by strategist Karl Rove , to the Virginia-based Republican State Leadership Committee, run by former national GOP chairman Ed Gillespie.

Garrett takes a look: http://dallasne.ws/9uSIy0

2 are cautiously optimistic Legislature will allow concealed carry at Texas colleges

A bill to allow guns in college campus buildings died in the last legislative session, but supporters say they're cautiously optimistic about its chances next year.



In 2009, "We did have overwhelming support in the Texas Legislature," said Scott Lewis, Texas Legislative Director for Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, noting that the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 20-11 and that 75 representatives signed on as co-authors.

http://dallasne.ws/aUUGZA

Texas Gov. Rick Perry raises $8.4 million, challenger Bill White raises $3.7 million in latest reporting period

AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Rick Perry spent $15 million on television ads in a blistering spending spree in the final weeks of the Republican’s campaign against Democratic challenger Bill White.

The governor tapped a handful of reliable big-dollar donors to finance the late-campaign push, including Houston homebuilder Bob Perry (no relation), who gave $600,000 directly and another $3 million through a GOP governors group backing Perry.

The latest report, covering four weeks of fundraising through Oct. 23, means Perry has raised at least $36.6 million to win re-election.

White collected $3.7 million in the latest period, bringing to $25 million the amount he has raised to unseat the 10-year incumbent. He spent $6 million during the period, leaving him with $487,000 in the bank.


http://dallasne.ws/94KiVX

Republicans drop plans for ad blitz to help Bill Flores unseat Chet Edwards in U.S. House District 17

WASHINGTON – The Republican Party has scrapped plans for a costly last-minute TV blitz on behalf of congressional nominee Bill Flores.


Democrats said the move signals that Republicans are giving up hope of unseating Rep. Chet Edwards. But Flores disagreed, saying that it means he's in such good shape, the national party can devote its resources elsewhere.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said today that the National Republican Congressional Committee canceled all of the advertising time it had reserved with stations in the Dallas, Waco and Bryan media markets.

Mason: http://dallasne.ws/aZ7RKd

Perry, White take shots at each other over immigration

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry and challenger Bill White swapped charges over immigration Monday, each accusing the other of failing to keep Texans safe from illegal immigrants and sex offenders crossing the porous border from Mexico.

Slater: http://dallasne.ws/d5iX3B

Legislature likely to cut deep to meet possible $25 billion budget gap

AUSTIN – Texas faces a budget crisis of truly daunting proportions, with lawmakers likely to cut sacrosanct programs such as education for the first time in memory and to lay off hundreds if not thousands of state workers and public university employees.

Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/cDIiNg

GOP congressional candidate Stephen Broden says he would not rule out violent overthrow of government

WASHINGTON — Republican congressional candidate Stephen Broden stunned his party Thursday, saying he would not rule out violent overthrow of the government if elections did not produce a change in leadership.
Melanie Mason reports: http://dallasne.ws/9tPtOz

Million-dollar man Bob Perry puts $7 million into Karl Rove group

Houston homebuilder Bob Perry continues as the million dollar man for Republicans in this year's elections. Perry contributed $3.5 million in recent weeks to the Republican Governors Association, setting up a potential big-money late-campaign donation to Rick Perry (no relation).
...
Perry has given $7 million to Karl Rove's national political committee, American Crossroads, which is targeting Democrats in congressional races.
http://dallasne.ws/cTw3L0

Election Wrap Up: What's Next for Texas

On November 4, top Texas political journalists will offer analysis of the November 2 races and predictions for Texas at the LBJ Center for Politics and Governance


Learn more here: http://dallasne.ws/dvE1WX


Our own Bureau chief, Christy Hoppe, along with Kronberg from The Quorum report, Hu from the Texas Tribune and Burka from Texas Monthly will be on hand.

Perry technology calls out your name

The latest email missive sent by the Rick Perry shows some cutting-edge technology that is creating interest from other campaigns across the country.


If you've signed up to be kept informed of events, new ads and other campaign info, as I have, then you probably got something in your email this morning.

Hoppe: http://dallasne.ws/bpxz9g

World's longest cat -- Stewie -- measures 4 feet

"Hendrickson says Maine Coons are known as "the gentle giants" of the cat world."

(Some Rodential Americans were overheard disputing this claim)

Two area GOPers are lawsuit reformers' faves

Mesquite House GOP challenger Cindy Burkett is the favorite Republican legislative hopeful of the deep-pocketed Texans for Lawsuit Reform, according to a new study. At least, for now.

Burkett, who's trying to oust freshman Rep. Robert Miklos, D-Mesquite, received nearly $108,000 from Texans for Lawsuit Reform, which seeks to limit civil lawsuits over personal injury and other "torts." Texans for Public Justice, a nonprofit group that tracks campaign money, analyzed contributions made through Sept. 23.


Garrett reports: http://dallasne.ws/9owS4a

Bill White says Rick Perry's donors got special treatment in Teacher Retirement System investments

AUSTIN – Democrat Bill White said Tuesday that Gov. Rick Perry's appointees have pressured managers of the Teacher Retirement System to invest in companies benefiting the governor's political donors. White circulated a whistle-blower's memo that alleges insider deals and special treatment for Perry allies in the way teacher retirement money has been invested.  
Slater: http://dallasne.ws/ct8fhR

During Texas gubernatorial debate, opponents pile it on no-show Rick Perry

AUSTIN – Democrat Bill White debated the governor who wasn't there Tuesday, accusing Rick Perry of enriching his political friends and leaving the state in fiscal trouble.

Slater reports: http://dallasne.ws/dtsa7o

Election foe attacks Eddie Bernice Johnson on scholarship scandal

WASHINGTON – Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson's challenger is unleashing a two-week ad blitz focused on her misuse of scholarship funds – an ad blitz financed largely through donations that began to pour in after reports that the Dallas Democrat steered college aid to grandsons and other ineligible relatives.

Gillman, Mason report http://dallasne.ws/aBrtFY

Perry plays it safe, does little talking, while White takes aim at rival

Many believe Perry's campaign is playing it safe. He has eschewed editorial boards and is refusing to debate. His campaign is limited to a few stops a day, mostly for positive, staged announcements or small gatherings of supporters. No fatigue-fueled mistakes.

Bill White's campaign is about fixing a target on Perry while rolling down the aisles of state problems – dropouts, higher education costs, border security. He wants to engage voters on how to fix Texas and has attacked his opponent for promoting himself and helping his friends.
http://dallasne.ws/9QC2bU

Farouk Shami endorses Rick Perry

Former Democratic governor candidate Farouk Shami jumped party on Monday and endorsed Republican Rick Perry for re-election. Shami, who while announcing his candidacy last November said he was a "Democrat all the way to the bone," nevertheless bolted from his party's nominee Bill White with the endorsement.

http://dallasne.ws/dc95S3

Stimulus, Texas Republicans, and playing it both ways: new report offers yet more examples

The nonpartisan Center for Public Integrity has dug out more evidence of Republican lawmakers from Texas and across the country quietly prodding the federal government to release stimulus money for pet projects -- even as they hammered Democrats for the stimulus as wasteful or even an illegitimate use of federal authority.
Todd Gillman reports: http://dallasne.ws/9FUbpi