As Republicans party, Democrats lament and ponder challenges in reversing GOP domination

AUSTIN — Rick Perry took the oath of office Tuesday in between a prayer breakfast, barbecue lunch, semi-lavish ball and numerous side shindigs. Absent from the party were Democrats , whose grand plans for 2011 were overwhelmed by a Republican wave that kept Perry in office and gave the GOP its biggest majority in the Texas House in history. As they watched Perry and Republicans celebrate their victories and chart the course for Texas, Democrats were mindful of their challenges and watchful of their rivals — even if it was from afar.
 “While Rick Perry is celebrating his inauguration at his $2 million party, the desperate budget crisis will be laid out in black and white,” said Kirsten Gray, spokeswoman for the Texas Democratic Party. “Republicans can no longer ignore the budget reality that faces Texas.”

Gromer Jeffers reports: http://dallasne.ws/gMwt3D

Gov. Rick Perry calls Texas 'a beacon of opportunity' in inaugural speech

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry took his unprecedented fourth oath of office on Tuesday overshadowed by
the state’s equally unprecedented budget challenge, but promising that Texas can show the nation how to set priorities and limit government.Hoppe: http://dallasne.ws/fCa6AtTranscription of Perry's speech: http://dallasne.ws/eyVpNw

Perry hobnobs with big-dollar donors before inauguration

The corporate interests bankrolling Gov. Rick Perry's inauguration today have plenty of business before the state -- energy companies facing regulation over "fracking," beer distributors and utilities regulated by the state, companies facing possible changes in the business tax. Before Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst take their oath of office publicly today, they had some private time Monday night with major underwriters giving as much as $100,000 to fund the festivities, as we reported today. Follow the link for a full list of underwriters:

http://dallasne.ws/ew9xsr Slater reports.

In inaugural address, Rick Perry’s vision may be bigger than Texas

But one thing is certain: In his third inaugural address, Perry is likely to sketch a vision intended for more than just the eyes of Texas.


Hoppe: http://dallasne.ws/g6FUS0

"He had a lot of stuff that Perry probably doesn’t have — I call it being a
member of the Lucky Sperm Club,” Chisum said.

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