Politics & Policy
October 5, 2011
Palin punts
She’s a media personality now. There was no way she could run for president when a majority of the Republican electorate doesn’t want her to.
3666 Articles
Politics & Policy
October 5, 2011
After the ranch comes … the license plate
Governor Perry faces another hurdle on the issue of race. It is whether the Department of Motor Vehicles should allow specialty license plates that carry the emblem of the Confederate battle flag. Senator Royce West went public with his concerns earlier today. West put out a statement that I will
Politics & Policy
October 5, 2011
Ogden: State has $1.8 billion surplus
This is what he told me in a conversation we had earlier today. The reason is higher-than-expected sales tax receipts and a similar bonanza of oil and gas money for the Rainy Day Fund, above the comptroller’s estimate. Due to the increased revenue, Ogden said, there will be fewer layoffs
Politics & Policy
October 5, 2011
Perry posts a big number
$17.1 million raised in the third quarter fundraising period. This is a very impressive performance. It buys time and staying power through the next rounds of debates and into the early primaries. The accelerated primary schedule benefits candidates with the most money. (The original version of this post said $18.1
Politics & Policy
October 5, 2011
Willful ignorance: the GOP’s Hispanic problem
From Public Policy Polling: There’s been a lot of discussion in the last week about the role of the Hispanic vote in next year’s election. Here’s the bottom line on our polling: Obama’s approval numbers with Hispanics are down. And because of that Obama’s winning margins with Hispanics would
Politics & Policy
October 4, 2011
Poll shows Perry fading in Florida
The Republican War Room poll (Sept. 30), from the Houston Chronicle: Romney 28.2% Cain 23.7% Gingrich 9.8% Perry 9.1% Perry has dropped 15 points in ten days. Florida is arguably the most important state in the country in Republican politics. Texas has more delegates, but Texas is not in
Politics & Policy
October 3, 2011
A significant anniversary in American history
October 4, 1957. It was the day that the Soviet Union sent Sputnik into space and caused a near panic among Americans who feared that their country was failing in the Cold War and in the space race. John F. Kennedy exploited the concern of a “missile gap” to win
Politics & Policy
October 3, 2011
Washington Post poll finds more Perry slippage
The sample covers 1,002 adults and covers the dates of September 19-October 2. Repondents were divided into “lean-Republican” voters and “registered voters.” From the Post’s story: After a quick rise in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Texas Gov. Rick Perry has experienced an almost equally dramatic decline,
Politics & Policy
October 3, 2011
It’s now or never for Perry
The next Republican debate, presented by the Washington Post and Bloomberg News, will be held on October 11 at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. Charlie Rose will be the moderator. Here is the official statement by the sponsors: The Washington Post-Bloomberg debate will focus on the issues voters say
Politics & Policy
October 3, 2011
Is Fox News getting less enamored with Perry?
A Perry supporter with ties to the campaign observes that Perry is not getting the enthusiastic treatment from Fox he has always enjoyed in the past. This could be a function of his struggling campaign, or of the confusion of the Republican primary race, but it could also be (the
Politics & Policy
October 3, 2011
Could Chinese patent case cause trouble for Cruz?
A commenter tipped me to this story that appears on a new San Antonio blog called Plaza de Armas. The bloggers are former investigative reporters for the San Antonio Express News and the Current. The gist of the story is that U.S. Senate candidate Ted Cruz, a well known attorney,
Politics & Policy
October 2, 2011
Yet another poll
This one from Zogby IBOPE, the latter initials refer to a Brazilian firm that has acquired the Zogby operation. This poll is described as “interactive” but what that means is not explained. The respondents are “all likely voters and likely Republican primary voters.” This gibberish is a good reason why
Politics & Policy
October 2, 2011
Redstate defends Perry
Erick Erickson posted this on Redstate.com today: Hugh Hewitt has a good takedown of this. It shows the extent to which the Democrats will go to attack Republicans. Stephanie McCrummen, a Washington Post based reporter formerly stationed in Nairobi has a history of fanning racial flames out of context.
Politics & Policy
October 2, 2011
The “N-word” Ranch
I am hesitant to opine on things I don't know much about, and so I am loathe to comment on the Washington Post story about what the Post describes as "his family's secluded West Texas hunting camp." The gist of the story, for those unfamiliar with the Post's version,"
Politics & Policy
October 2, 2011
Political Obituaries
STEVE OGDEN He was the best senator of his time, the most visionary, the most respected. A perennial Ten Best legislator, he chaired Senate Finance throughout Dewhurst’s years as Lieutenant Governor. Most chairman do what just about every other chairman has done–add a few dollars to an agency’s budget here,
Politics & Policy
October 1, 2011
Perry plummets in 9/29 Fox News poll
Many readers will be familiar with this poll since it has received a great deal of coverage. The poll was posted on September 29. The sample covers 925 registered voters, and there was a smaller subset of likely Republican voters. Romney 23% Perry 19% Cain 17% Gingrich 11% Bachmann 3%
Politics & Policy
October 1, 2011
Perry running 3rd in Iowa
The poll was conducted by American Research Group (ARG) Sample Size: 600 completed telephone interviews among a random sample of likely Republican caucus goers living in Iowa (517 Republicans and 83 no party (independent) voters). Sample Dates: September 22-27, 2011 Margin of Error: ± 4 percentage points, 95% of the
Politics & Policy
October 1, 2011
Asking giraffes to fly
Writing in the Daily Beast earlier this week, Jill Lawrence said that the "missing piece" in Rick Perry's presidential campaign was his blueprint for America. Her recommendation was that Perry should make up for his poor debate performances by coming out with a plan: "Rick Perry would be less
Politics & Policy
September 26, 2011
CNN: Perry 28, Romney 21
A lot of people are writing Perry off after his awful performance in the Florida debate, but this poll was taken AFTER the disastrous debate. Perry is not a good debater. He is no match for his rivals, who know federal issues better than he does, and are much
Politics & Policy
September 26, 2011
Washington Post raises health issues about Perry
After one of the early Republican debates, I raised the issue of whether Perry was having problems with his recovery from back surgery. Perry had looked so uncomfortable in that debate that I wondered if he were wearing a back brace. He kept twisting his torso a little, as if
Politics & Policy
September 26, 2011
Blood and irony
Does anybody else find it ironic that Perry is faltering because of the rare good deeds that he has done, such as the Dream Act and the HPV mandate? The guy spends ten years being a total hardline conservative with a couple of exceptions, and suddenly his own party is
Politics & Policy
September 26, 2011
Raising Cain
Could Rick Perry’s stunning loss of the Florida straw poll have been averted? Possibly. The question here is whether the Perry camp was so overconfident that it scheduled him to go to a similar straw poll in Michigan without addressing the delegates in Florida. At the times, Perry and
Politics & Policy
September 24, 2011
The bush leagues II
I wrote a post yesterday under the headline, “The bush leagues,” in which I said that one reason for Perry’s poor performance in the current campaign is that he has had it too easy in Texas during the last ten years–that he has gotten away with ducking debates and dodging
Politics & Policy
September 24, 2011
Sullivan blames lawmakers for Perry’s wasteful program
Self-appointed fiscal watchdog Michael Quinn Sullivan blasted legislators yesterday (9/23) for a spending program that allows the state to attract and subsidize Hollywood filmmakers who wish to make movies in Texas. I find myself in rare agreement with Mr. Sullivan on this point. When I wrote a story about cutting
Politics & Policy
September 23, 2011
The bush leagues
We like to think that Texas politics is as rough as it gets, but it really isn't. This has been a one-party state since W. defeated Ann in 1994. Perry has had a lot of money spent against him, but he has never been in danger of losing a race
Politics & Policy
September 22, 2011
Did Perry use the “s” word?
The matter of whether Rick Perry has advocated secession arose on Fox News last night. He insisted that he has never used the s-word, except to refer to signs at tea party rallies that say "SECEDE." As far as I know, he is right. Here is what Perry did
Politics & Policy
September 20, 2011
T(ea) is for trouble
The Texas tea party's revolt over Rick Perry's immigration stand is, well, revolting. I seldom agree with Perry, but he is right this time--right in a moral sense, but wrong politically. Building a wall will not make Texas a better state. Denying scholarships to the children of immigrants will not
Politics & Policy
September 20, 2011
DOJ’s unpreclearance
Critics of the Justice Department’s refusal to grant preclearance to the Texas House and congressional redistricting maps will no doubt attribute DOJ’s action to politics. And no doubt politics had something to do with it. But I never thought that DOJ would approve a map that ignored the demographic facts,
Politics & Policy
September 17, 2011
Recent polls
New York Times/CBS News (most recent poll) Perry 23 Romney 16 Connecticut GOP primary Quinnipiac U. Romney 37 Perry 19 California GOP Primary Field Poll Romney 28 Perry 20 Virginia General Election Obama 44 Perry 42 Virginia GOP Primary Perry 25 Undecided 20 R0mney 19 President Public Policy Polling Obama
Politics & Policy
September 15, 2011
Bloomberg poll: Perry 26%, Romney 22%
UPDATE: Note to readers: Below, I wrote, "I don't see any mystery in these results. Romney figured to gain after Perry's lackluster performance in the Tampa debate." In fact, the poll was taken during the period Sept. 9-12, BEFORE the debate. So Perry's performance in the Tampa debate had no
Politics & Policy
September 14, 2011
What is Palin up to?
I thought Perry and Palin were buddies. She came to Texas to endorse him against Bill White in December 09. But her “crony capitalism” attack on Perry was an indication that she sees an opening for her to be the nominee. If she can weaken Perry, and he falters, the
Politics & Policy
September 13, 2011
The Washington Post’s take on the debate
(The author of the following excerpt is Dana Milbank.) The applause identified Rick Perry as the crowd favorite when he took the stage in Tampa for Monday night’s Tea Party debate, greeting his lesser rivals as “fellas.” But two hours later, those fellas – and a gal from Minnesota –
Politics & Policy
September 12, 2011
Not Rick Perry’s night
Perry was clearly off his game during the tea party debate. He looked uncomfortable, his face was strained, his combativeness was muted. He looked to me like a man with back pain. I wondered if he were wearing a brace. I've had back surgery, and it hurt to watch him.
Politics & Policy
September 12, 2011
Dewhurst attacks EPA over anti-coal rule
I am amending this post after making some calls and finding out more about the EPA's rule. I guess this is one of those cases where we're paranoid because they really are after us. Dewhurst's statement follows: AUSTIN—Today, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst issued the following statement regarding the detrimental effects of
Politics & Policy
September 12, 2011
Citing health issues, Charlie Howard will not seek reelection
Most of us in the Capitol press corps know little about the members we watch every day. As it happened, Charlie Howard changed the world. Who knew that (quoting from his bio) “Rep. Howard and his wife, Jo, came to Houston in 1970 from Alabama where they had both worked on
Politics & Policy
September 11, 2011
Will Perry support Confederate battle flag license plates?
This is an issue that could get a lot of national attention, if the Department of Motor Vehicles approves a new license plate bearing an image of the Confederate battle flag–the Stars and Bars–on Perry’s watch. The DMV is currently deadlocked 4-4 on the matter of the plates and the
Politics & Policy
September 10, 2011
Yahoo! columnist criticizes Perry’s Medicaid record
Joe Conason's article contains nothing that is new to those who follow Texas government. It focuses on the Accenture contract and the attempt to save money by privatizing the health care bureaucracy, a scheme that was the brainchild of Arlene Wohlgemuth in the Medicaid legislation of 2003. I thought
Politics & Policy
September 8, 2011
Mark his words: Cuban on the Big XII
Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban has a very smart blog on what the Big Twelve should do if A&M leaves. It was published several days ago and has been picked up by other sports blogs. * * * * Here is some unsolicited advice to the Big 12. As you
Politics & Policy
September 8, 2011
Perry holds up under fire…sort of
Who won the Republican debate? According to Jennifer Rubin, who writes the "Right Turn" conservative blog for the Washington Post, it was Karl Rove and Dick Cheney: Neither was on the stage, but Karl Rove and Dick Cheney put the Social Security issue front and center. Earlier in the day,
Politics & Policy
September 7, 2011
Baylor: “will assert legal remedies if necessary”
(This post is a revision that includes corrections from a previous draft.) Regarding the situation with Texas A&M and the future of the Big Twelve Conference, I have spoken with persons familiar with the situation at Baylor, who prefer to remain anonymous. This is what I have learned. 1. The
Politics & Policy
September 7, 2011
What to expect in the GOP debate
I expect Perry to be seen as the winner. All he has to do is just repeat his prepackaged zingers, and he will come off well. Anyway, it won’t be the comments that win the debate; it will be Perry’s TV appearance and persona. As his media guru, David Weeks,
Politics & Policy
September 6, 2011
Bob Gates to become chancellor at William & Mary
He will succeed retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. There was no realistic chance that Gates would return to Texas A&M, where he served with great distinction as president before leaving to become Secretary of Defense. Perry never liked Gates. He wanted Phil Gramm over Gates (shudder), but the
Politics & Policy
September 6, 2011
Gallego opts for Congress
Pete Gallego’s decision not to seek reelection to the Texas House is a true loss for the body. Gallego has been a great member who has grown in stature during the years of Republican domination. His deep voice was instantly recognizable and his calm demeanor helped soothe some difficult moments.
Politics & Policy
September 4, 2011
ESPN speculates UT, OU, OSU, Tech to the PAC 10
The importance of locating in the right superconference trumps concerns about the Longhorn Network? Assuming that this comes to pass, that has to be the story line. This is the first mention of the PAC 10, but no one should be surprised. It was clear that UT president Bill Powers
Politics & Policy
September 4, 2011
Perry as debater
All the papers are running stories today about the upcoming Republican debate at the Reagan Library, which will be Perry's first test. What kind of a debater is he? He was involved in debates against Tony Sanchez in 2002, against Chris Bell, Carole Strayhorn, and Kinky Friedman in 2006, and
Politics & Policy
September 2, 2011
South Dakota decision could impact Tx sonogram case
From HuffingtonPost: South Dakota can require doctors to tell women who seek abortions that they have an “existing relationship” with their fetus that is protected by law and that they can’t be forced to undergo the procedure, a federal appeals court ruled Friday. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of
Politics & Policy
September 2, 2011
Taylor opts for the Senate
The pending departure of the chair of the House Republican caucus removes someone who was well positioned to challenge Straus for speaker. It will also touch off a scramble for a successor. I thought the most likely challengers to Straus would be Taylor and Hancock, but both have their sights
Politics & Policy
September 2, 2011
Dan Patrick calls for 2-cent sales tax increase for education
“We are going to have to make serious decisions in the future because we can’t keep stretching the nickel,” Patrick said. “How do we fund education long term? I think we should add 2 cents to the sales tax, and dedicate that to education. The reason I think that is:
Politics & Policy
August 31, 2011
A&M’s plans — and UT’s
I spoke with a friend yesterday who is knowledgeable about the situation at Texas A&M, and here is what he had to say. 1. Perry was not involved in the A&M regents’ decision to leave the Big Twelve for the SEC. He was described to me as “not supportive” but
Politics & Policy
August 30, 2011
Sign of the times
St. Catherine Episcopal Church sign <p style="color: #303333"><strong><a href="http://www.texasmonthly.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Durney-profile.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-530874" src="https://www.texasmonthly.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Durney-profile.jpg" alt="Durney profile" width="300" height="417" /></a>Owner/Pitmaster:</strong> <a href="http://www.texasmonthly.com/bbq/jerk-baby-back-ribs/" target="_blank">Hometown Bar-B-Que</a>; Opened 2013</p> <p style="color: #303333"><strong>Age:</strong> 42</p> <p style="color: #303333"><strong>Smoker:</strong> Indirect Heat Wood-Fired Pit</p> <p style="color: #303333"><strong>Wood:</strong> Oak and Cherry</p> Billy Durney is all New York, but he