If the rainbow flavors of the Tea Party feature a common taste, it’s that of fiscally restrained government — and the anti-Washington and pro-state fervor that comes along with it. Not coincidentally, that was the overwhelming theme of the GOP’s recent convention, setting the tone — as the Democrats did in their state gathering — for the November general election.
Brian Birdwell
Posted in
Demographics
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Ramsey’s interview with Rick Perry’s chief consultant, Stiles on the massive amount of cash that cities are collecting from red-light cameras, Grissom on the coming debate over the Democrats’ two-step primary/caucus process, Thevenot on the State Board of Education’s latest controversial plan, Aguilar on immigrants deported for minor infractions, Ramshaw on the social conscience (or lack thereof) of medical schools, M. Smith on a nascent voter registration effort in Harris County, Hamilton’s interview with the newest state senator, Philpott on Bill White’s feistier week, Galbraith on how tighter EPA rules will affect Texas and Hu on questions about the governor’s transparency: The best of our best from June 21 to 25, 2010.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: June 24, 2010
There’s restrained optimism in the air today, and that can only mean one thing.
Posted inState Government
Brian Birdwell: The TT Interview
The newest state senator talked to the Tribune on Wednesday about being a 9/11 survivor, whether he’s really eligible to serve, his ties to the Tea Party, why he’d eliminate property taxes and the Texas pols he’ll model himself after.
Posted in
State Government
TribBlog: Birdwell Eligibility Rests On Residency, Attorney Says
The fact that Brian Birdwell, who won election to the state Senate Tuesday night, voted in Virginia in 2006 could put him in an eligibility bind, an Austin election attorney said today. But whether anyone will challenge his residency is another question.
Posted inState Government
TribBlog: Averitt’s Out
Outgoing state Sen. Kip Averitt, R-Waco, says he fully intends to retire and will withdraw his name from Senate District 22’s November ballot.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: June 23, 2010
Three months after his retirement, it might be back to work for Kip Averitt.
Posted inState Government
SD-22 Flips the Bird
A decisive victory for political novice Brian Birdwell over Capitol veteran David Sibley in a Senate special election reflects a no-compromise attitude among GOP voters — but may not be the final word on who represents District 22 come January.
Posted inState Government
TribBlog: Birdwell Beats Sibley
Republican Brian Birdwell has beaten David Sibley, a former Republican state senator, in the special runoff election in Senate District 22.
Posted inState Government
TribBlog: Averitt: “Remote Chance” of Senate Return
Kip Averitt does not want to return to the Texas Senate — but depending on how tonight’s special-election runoff to replace him goes, the recently retired Republican Waco state senator says “it’s a remote chance.”