Paul Burka
Paul Burka joined the staff of TEXAS MONTHLY one year after the magazine's founding. A lifelong Texan, he was born in Galveston, graduated from Rice University with a B.A. in history, and received a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.
Burka is a member of the State Bar of Texas and spent five years as an attorney with the Texas Legislature, where he served as counsel to the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
Burka won a National Magazine award for reporting excellence in 1985 and the American Bar Associations Silver Gavel Award. He is a member of the Texas Institute of Letters and teaches at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He is also a frequent guest discussing politics on national news programs on MSNBC, Fox, NBC, and CNN.
Features
Child’s Play
Summer vacation is right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you should panic. We’ve rounded up 68 of our favorite things to do with your toddlers, teens, and every kid in between. Dance the hokey pokey. Rope a horse. Eat way too many hot dogs. Zip down a waterslide. And yes, feed the animals. April 2008
El Gobernador
The first Hispanic to lead Texas will be a Basque jai alai phenom, Dallas attorney, and Democratic state representative whose election, in 2018, will relegate the GOP to semi- permanent minority status. Wanna bet? February 2008
Big Red
John Cornyn won a U.S. Senate seat in 2002 by pledging allegiance to George W. Bush and riding a Republican wave to victory. But neither the president nor the wave is as strong six years later, and Cornyn’s bid for reelection may not be either. December 2007
The Best and Worst Legislators 2007
The eightieth session began with a Speaker’s race, ended with a Speaker’s race, and was consumed in between by the usual mix of nuanced issues and nasty politics. Along the way, a handful of lawmakers put the common good ahead of all else. And a handful of lawmakers didn’t. July 2007
North Toward Dome
The best way to visit the Capitol, the state’s grandest public building, is to take the 45-minute guided tour. But there is much more to see if you know what to look for, and I’m going to tell you precisely that. February 2007
Agent of Change
In four years as president of Texas A&M University, former CIA director Robert M. Gates—who knows a thing or two about leading a strong, hidebound, misunderstood culture—has left few areas of campus life untouched. But putting sushi in the dining halls is nothing compared with overhauling the Aggie brand. November 2006
Thank God It’s Friday
And Saturday. And Sunday. The arrival of fall means weekends spent watching football, up close and on-screen, and yet another opportunity to love the greatest game on earth for all the usual reasons. Forty-nine of them, in fact. September 2006
Capture The Flag
As weird as the 2006 governor’s race undeniably is, the goals of all four major candidates are remarkably mundane: Rick Perry wants nothing less than to be the longest-serving chief executive in the state’s history; Carole Keeton Strayhorn means to move her “One Tough Grandma” act into the big house across from the Capitol; Chris Bell craves respect, for himself and his depleted party; and Kinky Friedman intends to lead his band of unlikely voters in a rousing chorus of “Adiós, mofo!” July 2006
Without DeLay
He blames the Democrats, the press, Ronnie Earle, the bloggers—the list goes on. But in the end, what did in the most powerful Texan in Washington was his own excess. May 2006
The Elephants in the Room
Remember what Ronald Reagan said about Republicans not speaking ill of other Republicans? How quaint. January 2006
I of the Storm
The Gulf carried mendacity in every molecule. Its beauty, its tranquillity, was all a lie. It had created Galveston, carved out its deepwater port, tempted us with the promise of greatness, and then betrayed us. December 2005
Ten Ways To Fix Texas
They’re obvious to everyone except, apparently, the people we elected to fix Texas. They include some easy solutions and at least one that will probably get me a lot of hate mail (but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong). August 2005
The Best and Worst Legislators of 2005
A few lawmakers in both parties distinguished themselves during one of the worst sessions anyone can remember. As for the rest? Well, in the words of Jon Stewart, that famous observer of Texas politics: not so much. July 2005
Carole Keeton Strayhorn Has Guts. Carole Keeton Strayhorn Is Nuts. Discuss.
An attempt, however futile, to figure out what the comptroller is up to. June 2005
Who Might Make It Next Time
February 2005
Who’s Not On The List
February 2005
3.—25.
Twenty-three other people with more clout than they know what to do with. (Well, they know exactly what to do with it.) February 2005
Power
What it is and isn’t. Who has it and who doesn’t. Our 2005 list. February 2005
An F for Effort
Or maybe the grade should be “incomplete.” The special legislative session on school finance proved that Rick Perry and Republican lawmakers care a lot more about reducing property taxes than about improving public schools. Anybody surprised? June 2004
Corps Values
What place does tradition have at Texas A&M these days? One by one, the old ways are disappearing from the venerable campus, and many Aggies are up in arms. But embracing change may be the only way to save the school they love. May 2004
The Man Who Isn't There
In word and deed, the George W. Bush now residing in the White House bears little resemblance to the Texas governor I gladly sent to Washington. That's why I'm so ambivalent about reelecting him. February 2004
And Then There Were None
Call it Perrymandering. Call it Tomfoolery. But whatever you call redistricting, call it successful (for now). And call the white Democrats dead. December 2003
Greatness Visible
The dream of a first-rate university rising out of the prairie north of the Colorado River is almost as old as Texas itself. Which prompts the question, When will UT finally live up to its potential? October 2003
Las Vegas, Nevada
August 2003
Top Fifty
May 2003
The Best of the Best
May 2003
Pit Stops
Where are the best places to eat barbecue in Texas? Six years ago we published a highly subjective—and hotly debated— list of our fifty favorite joints, and now we’ve gone back for seconds. Ten intrepid souls drove more than 21,000 miles in search of 2003’s worthiest ‘cue. Here’s what they came back with: the top 5 and the next 45, plus honorable mentions, great chains, and meat by mail. May 2003
Who's Next?
San Antonio's Marshevet Hooker is not just any old high school sprinter; she's an Olympic gold medalist in the making. Meet her and nine other women we're betting will lead the new Texasand the world. February 2003
Galveston to Quanah on Texas Highway 6
A secret garden, a drive-through feedstore, presidential papers, tasty pinto beansand a Picasso. May 2002
Can Rick Perry Stand On His Own?
And just how long are his coattails? Texs politics is always interesting, but this year—with two formidable tickets, four big races, and a healthy debate over whether this is still a two-party state—promises to be one for the books. February 2002
The Best and the Worst Legislators
Rodney Ellis was excellent. Gary Elkins waswell, significantly less so. Bill Ratliff was a model of dignified leadership. Domingo Garcia was a one-man leper colony. Our biennial roundup of the Legislature's leading lights and dim bulbs. July 2001
The Education of Laura Bush
A first read on the Midland librarian in the White House: what she has learned so far and how her life has changed. April 2001
2002: A Race Odyssey
The next statewide elections are twenty months away, but a pack of would-be candidatesfrom a Laredo oilman to the mayor of Austinare already running hard. March 2001
Politics Karl Rove
Getting W. to D.C. September 2000
The Man Who Saved LBJ
Who deserves credit for Lyndon Johnson's newly burnished reputation? Harry Middleton, the director of the LBJ presidential library, who made hours and hours of White House audiotapes publicand in doing so, remade history. Plus: Listen for yourself as Johnson describes Vietnam as "just the biggest mess that I ever saw". August 2000
How W. Can Win
The first test was whether primary voters thought he had what it takes to be president. It was touch and go for a while, but he passed. Now George Bush has to get the rest of the country on his side. An inside look at his plan for doing precisely that. July 2000
The Case Against John Cornyn
If it pleases the court, the question before you is whether the attorney general of Texas has served his constituents or, as his critics charge, only his own political interests. What is your verdict? June 2000
Great Escapes
From a boutique hotel in hip South Austin to a bed-and-breakfast across the Mexican border, from fly fishing on the Llano River to bathing in the Chinati Hot Springs, 33 getaways the guidebooks don’t tell you about, courtesy of our intrepid staff of weekend warriors. June 2000
The Aggie Bonfire Tragedy
What's so important about a stack of wood? Every Aggie knows that the answer is traditionwhich is why, after a catastrophe that took the lives of twelve young men and women, the decision of whether to continue, change, or call a halt to the bonfire looms so large at Texas A&M. April 2000
The Race Is On
The changing of the calendars marks the start of the presidential campaign (this time we really mean it), and George W. Bush is still the favorite to win. January 2000
Water Under the Bridge
Henry Cisneros’ power derived from his ability to bring people together. It was supposed to get him elected governor, senator, president. He’s finally the president, all right —of a Spanish-language TV network. And all thoughts of a career in public life are in the past. November 1999
Politics • Karen Hughes
Communicator in chief. September 1999
Law • James Byrd, Jr.
Crime and punishment. September 1999
The Best and the Worst Legislators 1999
Naughty Nixon and wonderful Wolens, soapy Shapiro and revered Ratliff, and of course, a certain governor who’s ready for his close-up: Our say-so on the session’s standouts—good, bad, and in-between. July 1999
The W. Nobody Knows
He’s irreverent and unself-conscious, and that’s not all. June 1999
Savoring the Private Ryan
Out of uniform, in his own words, Texas icon Nolan Ryan on baseball, ranching, values, and his love for his native state. April 1999
Squares
A masterpiece of courthouse architecture in Waxahachie, a handsome jail of native stone in Marfa: Significant structures line the streets of five terrific town centers. March 1999
The Six-Billion-Dollar Men
How to spend a huge budget surplus will be the defining issue of the coming legislative session. It will also determine the political futures of George W. Bush, Rick Perry, and Pete Laney. January 1999
The Disloyal Opposition
How five right-wing members of the State Board of Education are making life miserable for their fellow Republicans—especially George W. Bush. December 1998
Two for Texas
Candidates Rick Perry and John Sharp donÕt agree on much, but they both say the race for lieutenant governor is the most important one on the ballot this fall. They’re right. October 1998
SPORTS • Dennis Rodman
As the Worm turns. September 1998
POLITICS • Paul Begala
The great defender. September 1998
President Bush?
He’s the front-runner even before he has officially entered the race, but sky-high expectations are the least of the obstacles George W. Bush faces in his quest for the White House. July 1998
The Hero Had Two Faces
For fifteen years Galveston knew Tim Kingsbury as a civic leader and do-gooder. Then the wife—and life—he deserted back in Ohio caught up with him in Texas. May 1998
We Are the World
Want to see Kuwait, Iowa, and Washington, D.C.? Go to El Paso, Austin, and Houston. May 1998
You Lose Again!
A billion-dollar drop in revenue? You bet. How politics ruined the Texas lottery. March 1998
What’s Black and White And Red-faced All Over?
The University of Texas at Austin, whose paralysis in response to the Hopwood decision ignited racial tensions. And that was before Lino Graglia said a word. December 1997
Las Vegas
No good food? Don’t bet on it. November 1997
The Revision Thing
The opening of the George Bush presidential library at Texas A&M is a good occasion to ask two questions on the mind of everyone but Bush himself: How good a president was he? And what sort of ex-president has he been? November 1997
The Real West Texas
High peaks, scant rain, and hardpan soil—but also high art, hip hotels, and a new telescope that’s a star in its own right: Snapshots from a remote region of our state unlike anyplace else on earth. October 1997
Public Service • Bill Hobby
Governed by generosity. September 1997
Politics • Bill Archer
Taxes are his target. September 1997
The Best Worst Legislators 1997
From Bush’s good try on property taxes to Bullock’s grand finale, from savvy Sadler to weaselly Wohlgemuth, from Duncan’s beginning to Howard’s end: Our sorting of the session’s standouts—best, worst, and in between. July 1997
Did You Hear the One About The New Aggies?
They overcame politics, poverty, isolation, and Old Aggies to make Texas A&M the state’s academic powerhouse. April 1997
The Honeymoon Is Over
In the last legislative session, George W. Bush’s moderate program won over Bob Bullock, Pete Laney, and other top Democrats. But this time, Bush’s agenda is more partisan, and Republicans are measuring his presidential potential—so Texas politics is going to get ugly. January 1997
Carl C. Waitz Elementary
At a school whose children come from some of the poorest communities on the border, the way to excellence begins with sheer will and a culture of success. November 1996
Home on the Range
Home on the Range All over Texas, small ranchers are giving up and moving to the city. But the Stoner family of Uvalde is as determined as ever to hold on to its land—and its way of life. October 1996
Law • Cheryl Hopwood
Sins of admission. September 1996
National Politics •T om DeLay
Cracking the whip. September 1996
Perot and Con
From the war on drugs to education and his new Reform Party, Ross Perot has ideas about everything. Too bad they’re usually wrong. August 1996
Life After Oil
Midland’s energy companies are still laying people off a decade after the bottom of the bust. But—surprise—the city’s economy is booming again. April 1996
Major Barbara
Barbara Jordan saw herself not as a black politician but as a politician who happened to be black—and that was one of the things that made her great. March 1996
State of Mind
On February 19, 1846, the flag was lowered on the Republic of Texas for the last time. Here’s a look back at what was our national interest, and all that it might have been. February 1996
The Best and the Worst Legislators 1995
From the respected to the rascally, our regular roundup of the session’s most renowned pols. July 1995
Seasons to Remember
The end of the Southwest Conference was predictable, but for eighty years it gave Texas fans a brand of football that was anything but. May 1994
The Best and Worst Legislators 1993
Our biennial boosting and bashing of the state’s most beguiling politicians. July 1993
Honesty is the Best Politics
When you hold public office, the differnece between truth and fiction is more than a matter of degrees. Ask Lena Guerrero. November 1992
“Read My Lips: No New Texas”
George Bush has given Texas the Republican convention—and little else. August 1992
Perot in ‘92?
It’s his race to win—or lose. June 1992
“This Is the Alamo!”
If Congressman Charlie Wilson has his way, the humble wood chip will be the focus of a trade war between East Texas and Japan. April 1992
The Best and the Worst Legislators 1991
We bring you the heroes and the villains of the Capitol circus. Guess which list had more contenders? October 1991
Into The Storm
In normal times, Fort Hood teems with troops training in tanks and helicopters. But in their absence, the huge base is left with a scattering of soldiers and a uneasy sense of peace. March 1991
The Best and the Worst Legislators
We just rate them. You voted for them. July 1989
A Stately House: A Photographic Portrait
Even on her one-hundredth birthday, the Texas Capitol looks good in places other building don’t even have places. May 1988
Power
From H. Ross Perot to the people who will run Texas in the nineties, from couples with clout to the Brownwood Mafia, we present the most complete guide to power in Texas ever compiled. December 1987
The Best and the Worst Legislators
We just rate them. You voted for them. July 1987
Beating the Good Ol’ Boys
August 1986
The Soul of a Huge Machine
August 1986
The National Car of Texas
It’s big, it’s fast, it’s powerful, it eats gas, it’s the Suburban. August 1986
The Ten Best and (Groan) The Ten Worst Legislators
We just rate them. You voted for them. July 1985
The Man in the Black Hat
Clinton Manges built his empire on brushland and oil wells, political contributions and lawsuits. His influence extends to the state capitol and oil company boardrooms. To get where he is, he studied under three masters of South Texas. June 1984
The Ten Best and The Ten Worst Legislators
We just rate them. You voted for them. July 1983
Texas Primer: The Farm-to-Market Road
The last best way to see the real Texas. April 1983
The King of the Forest
He’s Arthur Temple, Jr., ruler of a million acres of East Texas and the last of the timber barons. August 1982
The Ten Best and The Ten Worst Legislators
Nineteen people you voted for and one you didn't. July 1981
The Truth about John Connally
There are two questions about John Connally: Is he good enough to be president? Is he too bad to be president? November 1979
The Ten Best and The Ten Worst Legislators
We just rate them. You voted for them. July 1979
The Ten Best and Ten Worst Legislators
We just rate them. You voted for them. July 1977
Power Politics
How Coastal State Gas pulled the plug on the Texas consumer. May 1975
Columns | Miscellany
Almost Blue
What the massive Democratic turnout says about the political landscape in Texas. May 2008
Fed Up
An FBI investigation is only the latest of El Paso’s problems. April 2008
The Democraddick Primary
It’s the only election that matters. March 2008
The Capitol Press Corpse
Is it really time to pronounce the body? January 2008
No Niño Left Behind
What part of “demography is destiny” does Texas not get? December 2007
43 Skiddoo
Exit George W. Bush. Enter . . . change. November 2007
Requiem for a Heavyweight
Karl Rove’s mixed legacy. October 2007
Speaker for Life!
Don’t bet against Tom Craddick. September 2007
School for Scandal
Texas Southern University’s missed opportunity. August 2007
Everything Is Illuminated
The Best and Worst list explained. July 2007
Road Warrior
How Ric Williamson became public enemy number one. June 2007
A Bronx Tale
Ruth. Gehrig. Mantle. Jeter. Ohlendorf? All of Austin, and Texas, is waiting to see if one of the newest New York Yankees earns his ’stripes. May 2007
More Power To Him?
Our weak governor asserts his strength. April 2007
The Secret History
The real reason to worry about the Bush library. March 2007
Animal House
The wild and woolly Speaker’s race. February 2007
Minority Report
What the Hispanic vote tells us. January 2007
His Way or the Highway
Rick Perry’s Trans-Texas conundrum. December 2006
His Thoughts Exactly
Rick Perry’s inner monologue. November 2006
Grand Old Parry
My solicited two cents about the Republicans’ agenda. September 2006
He Walks The Line
Silvestre Reyes has a plan for the border. August 2006
Trees v. Forest
The trouble with law school— and how to fix it. July 2006
Blown Away
Rita, the forgotten hurricane. June 2006
The Tax Man. Yeah, the Tax Man.
Can John Sharp save the Republicans? May 2006
Maybe Not
My ambivalence about George W. Bush continues. And grows more pronounced. April 2006
Duty Calls
How Rick and Melissa Noriega served their country—and their constituents. March 2006
First, Dew No Harm
A challenge for the lieutenant governor. February 2006
The M Word
The conservative case for gay marriage. January 2006
Hammer Time
Tom DeLay versus Ronnie Earle. November 2005
Is Wright Wrong?
The case for flying anywhere I want. October 2005
Three Blind Elephants
The GOP leadership blows it. Again. September 2005
Adiós, Mofos
Rick Perry wins a few rounds. August 2005
Uncivil Union
Dewhurst versus Craddick: This time, it’s personal. June 2005
Kay Sera, Sera
The future is hers to see. May 2005
Disaster!
The House botches school finance. April 2005
That Blog Won’t Hunt
Why old media hacks like me matter. March 2005
The Games Begin
What 2005 has to do with 2006. January 2005
Why Bush Won
Or, if you prefer, why he didn’t lose. December 2004
Rescuing Rick
Advice for the governor’s chief of staff. November 2004
Incomplete
The politics of the high-school dropout rate. October 2004
Up and Away
My favorite not-so-small town. September 2004
War Stories
The Vietnam non-issue. August 2004
Gas Pains
We need an energy policy. Now. July 2004
To My Ears
Texas music matterseven to me. April 2004
Troubled Waters
Water, water, everywhere. March 2004
A Giant Void
Master of the Senate. January 2004
Ruthless People
Yes, I don't get it. December 2003
Judging Priscilla
Priscilla Owen judged. November 2003
Sizzle and Stakes
Dallas mayor Laura Miller is hungry to take on the big problems facing the city. September 2003
Rice and Shine
Rice guys finish first. August 2003
Altered State
Why Texas politics will never be the same. July 2003
Can't Hardly Wait
The Legislative Follies 2003. June 2003
So Far, So Bad
Capitol hell. May 2003
Hoodwinked
My solution for the school-finance mess. April 2003
Mr. Speaker
Speaking of the Speaker. March 2003
My Texas Women
I was raised by one, I married one, and I raised one myselfand I wouldn't be who I am without them. February 2003
By George
Can the Republicans govern? January 2003
Swept Away
Election nostalgia already! December 2002
Left Out
Billie Carr, R.I.P. Liberals too. November 2002
Our Number Is Up
The year of demographic inevitability. October 2002
Keep the Change
Houston, we don't have a problem. September 2002
Sinking Flagship
Free advice for the UT System's new chancellor. August 2002
It's Crazy
It's the insanity defense that's insane. July 2002
Hughes and Loose
Communicating with Karen Hughes. June 2002
Gig 'em, Ray
Farewell to an Aggie prez. May 2002
Life of the Party
Night of the living Democrat. April 2002
Spare The Message
The real Enron scandal. March 2002
Onward, Christian
George Christian, one of a kind. February 2002
War and Peace
Over there, and over here. December 2001
A Report Card
Why principals matter. November 2001
9/11/01
The need for leadership. October 2001
Senator A. R. “Babe” Schwartz
September 2001
Ben Barnes
The former golden boy of Texas politics is still running hard. September 2001
POTUS Operandi
Governor George W. Bush, M.I.A. September 2001
No! No! No!
Vetoing the Perry vetoes. August 2001
Twin Piques
Fake IDs and real issues. July 2001
You've Got Mail
Free advice for Tony Sanchez. June 2001
Apply and Demand
Playing God at UT. May 2001
Techs and the City
A tale of two Houstons. March 2001
Spare the A-Rod
Is A-Rod good for baseball? February 2001
Now What?
And the campaign goes oninto the legislative session. January 2001
Clearing the Air
Clearing the air about pollution politics. December 2000
Empathy Note
George W.'s endgame. November 2000
Little Big Man
Ross Perot's lost legacy. October 2000
Storm Without End
How Galveston weathered a once-in-a-century storm. September 2000
11/26/99
Texas A&M, November 26, 1999. January 2000
Having a Ball
It’s no easy task to run the two-time champs of the Ro-Tex-Erie Fantasy Baseball League. But I’m managing. December 1999
Obstacle Course
Drugs. Cussing. Funeral home regulation. George W. Bush is on the ropes—or is he? October 1999
The Dominator
Remembering the real Bob Bullock. August 1999
Jewel of the Forest
Jasper in black and white. August 1998
Filling the Shoes
August 1997
Food for Thought
Once, before fast-food franchises and ecotourists took over Alpine, the Gallego family’s Mexican restaurant survived and thrived. Today, the kitchen is closed. July 1997
For an Income Tax
Why Texas needs an income tax. May 1997
Not Guilty
Two former high-level administrators at Texas A&M may have acted unethically—but that doesn’t make them criminals. April 1997
The Tort Tax
No high diving boards at public pools. No cameras in operating rooms. All this and more, thanks to lawyers. June 1996
Battle Lines
The weird shape of a new Houston congressional district guarantees a power struggle between Hispanic and Anglo politicians. March 1992
Getting My Kicks
How I learned that the toughest job in sports is umpiring girls’ kickball. August 1991
Behind the Lines
Something special. January 1986
Behind the Lines
April 1974
At Play in the Fields of the Lord
Baseball, an old and idiosyncratic game, loses and old and idiosyncratic field. April 1974
Behind the Lines
January 1974
Y2Kay
Is Kay Bailey Hutchison plotting a run for Governor? And other questions about Texas politics in the new millennium. February 2000
Ballpark Figures
September 1998
Poll Taxed
August 1998
Family Values
June 1998
City Limits
May 1998
Tom Foolery
August 1996
Beef Choice
June 1996
Fight Bakke
Will UT get affirmative action on affirmative action? Plus: A runoff rundown. May 1996
Right On
Primary color: Dole on a roll, a report card for the Religious Right, and other fallout from Election Day. April 1996
Current Affair
Why electricity is a supercharged political issue. Plus: Who cares about the Democrats running for U.S. Senate? March 1996
Poll Positions
The right’s phony gay-bashing campaign. Plus: Poor Phil Gramm. February 1996
Water Grab
Why farmers and big-city folk are at war over water. Plus: Jane Nelson for comptroller? January 1996
Merry-go-round
November 1992
Hurricane Warning
Hurricane Andrew’s winds had a message for the Texas coast. October 1992
Copper Plea
September 1992
Party Poopers
Republicans stew over Democrats at the GOP convention. August 1992
Aggie Land
Can the Aggies turn land in Guam into a record donation? July 1992
Westward H2O
June 1992
Split Personalities
April 1992
Floating Crap Game
March 1992
Male Delivery
February 1992
Uncandid Camera
December 1991
Dirty Deal
November 1991
Reporter
Joe Wayland
Oilfield worker. April 2008
Loyalty Oaf
Going, going, Gonzales. October 2007
The Natural
Why all the fuss about Craig Biggio? October 2007
Left Behind
The Texas Education Agency flunks out. August 2007
State of Flux
What 2008 means for Texas. August 2007
The Great Undoing
Impressions of the session. May 2007
Squeaker of the House
The Democrats and the Speaker. December 2006
Wait Till Next Year
One, two, three strikes they’re out. November 2006
Mapmakers, Mapmakers
Re-re-re-redistricting. August 2006
Operation Rescue
Can this presidency be saved? July 2006
None of the Above
Vince, Reggie, or none of the above? April 2006
Map Quest
The battle lines over redistricting. July 2003
Divide and Conquer
November 1999
Shore Thing
September 1999
A Census of Power
June 1999
Not So Rosy
May 1999
Grading George W.
Is George W. Bush’s nascent presidential campaign making the grade? March 1999
No New Tax Cuts
February 1999
Surprised Parties
December 1998
More Precious Than Oil
November 1998
The Bucks Stop Here
Who gave—and to whom—in this year’s big statewide races. September 1998
Primary Cullers
April 1998
Learning His Lesson
March 1998
Primary Color
Handicapping the Republican primary: Will far-right might carry the day? March 1998
President and Accounted For
January 1998
Brown in Front
December 1997
Taking a Chance
November 1997
The (Non)candidate
October 1997
Air Fair?
The plane truth about airline surcharges. October 1997
Power Surge
September 1997
Lights! Camera! No Action!
June 1997
Power Outage
May 1997
Out of Control
March 1997
In Play
A pregame analysis of the sports-stadium showdown. March 1997
Fratricidal Black Politics
February 1997
Burning Bush
December 1996
Non-Issues
Greece, lightning, and other non-issues in last month’s election. December 1996
California Scheming
November 1996
The New Fat Cats
Meet the newest Texas fat cats - the well-heeled contributors financing political campaigns in and out of our state. November 1996
America’s Marketer
October 1996
No Contest
If Bill Clinton wants to get elected president, he’ll have to do it without Texas—just like in 1992. July 1996
Race Value
Rating our primary concerns. March 1996
Cutthroat Island
Once upon a time, Galveston was an isolated island with few big-city problems. Recent flaps over civic corruption, press bias, and race suggest those days are over. February 1996
Bad Medicine
By vetoing the Patient Protection Act, Gearge W. Bush put cost before care. August 1995
The Sheets of Laredo
Life after the oil bust is fair-to-Midland; bad News, hard Times in Laredo; I hear a timpani; a coach who believes winning is everything. November 1984
Web extras
My Capitol
July 2007
The Joy of Spring
September 2006
Horns Aplenty
Senior executive editor Paul Burka talks about this month's cover story, "Greatness Visible." October 2003
Metro Editor
Senior executive editor Paul Burka talks about this month's special issue on Dallas. September 2003
Perry's Place
Senior executive editor Paul Burka tells the story behind this month's cover story, "Can Rick Perry Stand on His Own?" February 2002
Special Session
How our story on the best and the worst legislators got started and how to make it on the list. July 2001
Who's That Lady?
Executive editor Paul Burka tells the story behind this month's cover story. April 2001
Bum Deal
Executive editor Paul Burka and senior editor Anne Dingus tell the story behind January's cover story, "The 2001 Bum Steer Awards". January 2001

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