The Texas Blue: News
Tuesday Roundup - A Senate slapfight and the Scorched Earth
Tue, 02/06/2007 - 10:28am
Who thought that by this time in 2007 we'd be using the term "obstructionist Republicans?" Well, I did, and that's what happened last night when I turned on the news and saw that Senate Republicans had stopped debate on the anti-surge resolution. Majority Leader Harry Reid assured the GOP that the debate will happen anyways, and as the subject of money and budgets comes up, you can be sure Iraq will be a sticking point. The Chron has an in depth look at a couple of the implications.
New Feature: On The Record
Mon, 02/05/2007 - 6:03pm
We want to take a moment to tell you about a new feature we've introduced today called On The Record.
Bill Tracker: SB 134 - Eliminating Straight Party Voting
By Karl Lynch
Mon, 02/05/2007 - 3:26pm
(Part 1 of 5 in a symposium on election law)
We often hear people say, "I vote straight ticket." What this means is that on election day, they opt to cast all of their votes for one political party in every race. Straight-Party Voting is quick and simple; however, surprisingly not the norm. Only 17 states allow straight ticket voting.
Even more surprising is that Missouri just eliminated straight ticket voting in 2006.
College Democrats National Convention
Mon, 02/05/2007 - 11:27am
I just received this from the Communications Director of College Democrats of America. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in becoming involved in national youth politics.
College Democrats To Hold 2007 Convention in South Carolina
Washington, DC- Exactly one year from the day of South Carolina Democratic primary, College Democrats of America announced that they will hold their 2007 convention on the campus of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, July 26-29, 2007.
Monday Roundup - Primaries and Punishments
Mon, 02/05/2007 - 10:50am
We have a lot of exciting items for you this week: Chris Bell has an essay on the TAKS test and its efficacy, staff writer Josh Davis holds forth on the debate over Texas casinos, and later today Karl Lynch will begin a five-part Bill Tracker series on election laws.
Weekend Roundup - Super Bowl Sunday
Sun, 02/04/2007 - 2:49pm
While it is not political news, I thought Prince's pre-Super Bowl press conference on Thursday was pretty excellent: he announced the conference to the collected media, and when they all showed up, he and his band wailed on three songs for about ten minutes and then took off. Prince should consider hiring himself to do a similar service to federal government press briefings.
On The Record: James Belk
Sun, 02/04/2007 - 11:07am
Joining me for this week's On The Record is James Belk, Hale County Democratic Party Chair.
Perry requires HPV vaccine
Fri, 02/02/2007 - 5:34pm
From the Department of "Say What?" - Rick Perry signed an executive order today requiring that girls attending Texas schools be vaccinated against HPV with Gardasil.
Bill Tracker: HJR 25 - Prohibiting Vouchers for Private Education
By Karl Lynch
Fri, 02/02/2007 - 3:32pm
Recently, I wrote an article on financing public education detailing my objections to the voucher concept as a whole in Texas. I also mentioned the bills introduced this session to set up a voucher program in Texas. HJR 25, introduced by Richard Raymond, goes one step further.
Religious Right Group Wretchedly Wrong
By Josh Matlock
Fri, 02/02/2007 - 3:28pm
In the small north Texas dairy town of Windthorst, population 440, one of their treasured and beloved sons recently fell victim to an IED attack in Iraq. The death of 21 year old Marine Sgt. Gary Johnston shook this small community to its core. It's a tragedy that has spread beyond family, friends, and community. The entire immediate region suffers the loss.