In every major urban and suburban Texas county, where the vast majority of Texans cast their ballots, the Democratic vote share increased betweeen 2004 and 2008. Montgomery County was the single exception. In Denton, Collin, Fort Bend, and Williamson Counties — four of the five most populous traditionally Republican suburban counties — the Democratic vote rose.
2010 elections
Posted inState Government
Guest Column: Fired, Publicly
As a consultant for campaigns in Texas and across the country, I have conceded elections on live TV. Republicans have held press conferences to denounce my hiring, and their lawyers have second-guessed my decisions under oath in a deposition. But none of these trials has struck me quite as strangely as reading about myself getting fired by a campaign.
Posted inState Government
Kinky on Getting Out
After announcing he’ll drop his bid for governor and run for agriculture commissioner, Kinky Friedman talked with Ben Philpott (reporting for KUT News and the Tribune) about his decision to change races — and his unsuccessful attempt to get rival candidate Farouk Shami to seek a different office as well.
Posted in
State Government
Never Can Say Goodbye
Texas voters won’t be offered a real chance at change in the Legislature and Congress next year. Four out of five state and federal lawmakers face no real competition in their primary or general elections.
Posted inState Government
Dan Patrick on Rick vs. Kay
The state senator from Houston and radio talk show host explains why he’s for Governor Perry in the Republican primary but not against Senator Hutchison.
Posted inState Government
Ads Infinitum: Topic of Debate
Say what you will about Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina — she delivers (on commercials, at least).
Posted in
State Government
Kinky Exits Governor’s Race
Humorist and author Kinky Friedman is setting his sights on a new prize: the agriculture commissioner post.
Posted in
Economy
It’s Still the Economy, Stupid
Sales taxes are down and the recession in Texas hasn’t bottomed, so financial concerns will almost certainly factor into the governor’s race. Ben Philpott, covering that contest for KUT News and the Tribune, takes a look.
Posted in
Economy
Economic Campaigning
Texas budget writers are hoping December will ring in stronger retail sales — after getting the news Friday that sales tax collections were down 14 percent from this November to last. The state’s economy is always a hot topic in the governor’s race. Ben Philpott is covering the Texas governor’s race for KUT News and the Texas Tribune. He takes a look at how the economy’s playing so far.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
HuTube: Shot Blocker
Gotta hand it to these young Republicans for not letting a bitter battle between their bosses get in the way of polite pleasantries on the street.
