Politics & Policy
February 21, 2018
Michael Quinn Sullivan’s Latest Stunt Aims to Undermine Our Democracy
As if anyone needed further proof, MQS’s bogus mailer shows that he is no better than Russian trolls.
Charlie Geren
Politics & Policy
April 27, 2015
Tea Party Nears Its Peak in the Legislature
If the 2012 GOP primary results between Ted Cruz and David Dewhurst are any indicator, tea party strength in the Texas Legislature has peaked.
Food & Drink
November 12, 2013
Bowl of Dread
I was aghast when chili was first anointed our official state dish. More than 35 years later, my feelings about this greasy mush haven't changed.
Politics & Policy
January 21, 2013
Today in Perry: Trans-Texas Memories, Anita on Obama, Taking Aim at Gingrich
The latest stories from the campaign trail, including the Los Anegeles Times on the Trans-Texas Corridor and the Dallas Morning News’s Wayne Slater on the governor’s move toward the right.
Politics & Policy
April 11, 2009
Don’t Mess with Chairman of House Administration
We respect the right of everyone to celebrate Easter / Passover Week in his or her own way. Charlie Geren has a spiritual moment with a 50-caliber sniper rifle (accurate to 2,000 yards) at his ranch on Good Friday. More proof that the 81st Legislature is weapons-obsessed.
Politics & Policy
April 5, 2009
The Vacuum: Who will run the GOP races in 2010?
The conventional wisdom is that Republicans will pick up House seats in 2010, for two reasons. One is that the president's party seldom does well in the first off-year election (George W. Bush in 2002 being a notable exception). Another reason is that Democrats have to defend their recent gains…
Politics & Policy
January 19, 2009
Let the speculation begin
Committee appointments will be the first real test of the Straus speakership. How many of the 149 members can he satisfy? Here are some of the problems he will face: —Straus has said that there will be no retaliation against Craddick loyalists. Good luck in keeping that promise. The ABCs…
Politics & Policy
January 14, 2009
Day One: Free at Last
The first day of a legislative session always has the festive atmosphere of a high school reunion, but this one had something extra. It was also Bastille Day—the moment that the masses stormed the battlements and freed the prisoners. I have never seen so many members look so happy. Charlie…
Politics & Policy
December 28, 2008
The speaker’s race: Update
The long Christmas weekend is about over. Keep an eye on the Ethics Commission tomorrow (Monday) for new filings for speaker. Gattis is a possibility. McCall is a possibility. It was this time last year that he filed. I talked to one of the ABC’s on Saturday. He said that…
Politics & Policy
December 8, 2008
Secret Disservice
Your daily space queen video! It’s worth clicking on just to see what I look like when I forget to sit on a telephone book. Paul Burka on the secret speaker’s ballot, and why he was for it before he he was against it. (Flip flopper.) Honorably mentioned: Speaker Craddick,…
Politics & Policy
December 6, 2008
The Speaker’s Race: Solomons calls for Keel’s resignation as parliamentarian
This is the letter from Burt Solomons to Terry Keel, with copies to all members and members-elect. It is sent as a memo: Date: December 5, 2008 To: Mr. Terry Keel, Parliamentarian, Texas House From: Rep. Burt Solomons cc: Members and Members-Elect of the 81st Texas Legislature Re: Call for…
Politics & Policy
November 19, 2008
Smaller Talk
Honorably Mentioned: Burt Solomons, Jim Keffer, Craig Eiland, Brian McCall, Rafael Anchia, Charlie Geren, Warren Chisum, Phil King, and Rob Junell (naturally). If you do not see your name on the list, you have given us no reason to talk about you. (Go watch it on our homepage so I…
Politics & Policy
November 14, 2008
You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You
So find yourself a Speaker to love. FAIR WARNING. This is a video. It is not required viewing. It may take eight minutes to watch. I only push play to increase traffic, and to improve my broadcast media skills. It’s not working. (And you try looking good at the end…