AltWeeklies Wire
The DeLay Scandal Turns Sixnew
We catch up with the players from the infamous scandals surrounding the former House majority leader. Although some resulting lawsuits -- and DeLay's shady redistricting -- have not been resolved, they have pulled back the curtains on Texas' 2002 elections.
The Texas Observer |
Andrew Wheat |
11-19-2008 |
Politics
Turning Houston Bluenew
If Democrats hope to once again win statewide elections in Texas, they first must takeover the state's biggest city. Toward that end, Dems are pouring lots of money into a coordinated campaign to sweep Harris County this year. And everything was seemingly going their way -- until Hurricane Ike hit.
The Texas Observer |
Dave Mann |
10-22-2008 |
Politics
The Winnebago Vote: How 12,000 RVers Tilt East Texas Electionsnew
A mail-forwarding business near Livingston allows these RVers to claim legal residency in Texas, while many have never been to Livingston, or even Texas, and own property in other states. Together these 12,000 overwhelmingly Republican voters have helped erode what was once a stronghold of yellow dog Democrats.
The Texas Observer |
Forrest Wilder |
10-08-2008 |
Politics
A Tale of Two Cities: The RNC You Saw and the One You Didn'tnew
There was carefully crafted show inside the Excel Energy Center, and a street-level populist protest in which hundreds were tear-gassed and arrested, including prominent journalists. In the arena, the nomination of Sarah Palin palpably energized the Republican delegates, but events away from the arena were more revealing.
The Texas Observer |
Elizabeth DiNovella |
09-24-2008 |
Politics
The Bushies Return to Texasnew
Perhaps it's not surprising that more than a few members of Bush's Texas contingent have been making their ways back home. After all, it is still Republican country. However, like the rest of the nation, Texans aren't particularly high on Bush right now -- and that includes even those in the state's Republican Party.
The Texas Observer |
Anthony Zurcher |
09-24-2008 |
Politics
The Obama Awakeningnew
No longer is it just a handful of blue-haired activists who show up at county party meetings. Young people and old people alike are not just voting for the first time, but also paying attention for the first time.
The Texas Observer |
Rachel Farris |
09-24-2008 |
Commentary
How Will W's Library Shape His Legacy?new
It's somewhat ironic that the Bush administration would create the first presidential library with a policy think tank attached. That has led some critics to wonder if the think tank will engage in genuine policy innovation or mainly try to shape Bush's legacy.
The Texas Observer |
Forrest Wilder |
09-24-2008 |
Politics
DNC Report: Seeking Higher Ground in Denvernew
As the Democratic National Convention approached, questions fluttered like flags in Denver's thin air. Would aggrieved Hillary fans buy into party unity? Could the Clintons endorse Obama with conviction? Would Obama's acceptance speech be regarded as a gesture of openness, or give Republicans a chance to paint him as an egoist?
The Texas Observer |
Brad Tyer |
09-10-2008 |
Politics
LBJ, The Texas Observer & Menew
The Texas Observer cut its teeth on LBJ and the politics of the late 1950s. In his drive to accrue power at the state and national levels, Johnson played on both sides of major issues and Ronnie was there to hold him accountable.
The Texas Observer |
Ronnie Dugger |
08-27-2008 |
Politics
Four Congressional Races Will Test the Democratic Resurgence in Texasnew
In a year where Republican is a four letter word, we explain the vulnerabilities of candidates in four key congressional districts in Texas -- and how the impending elections will provide a litmus test for the strength of Democratic resurgence.
The Texas Observer |
Staff |
08-27-2008 |
Politics
Election '08: The Confusion Campaignnew
As we approach the national political conventions, we all know this promises to be a mean season. Has America transcended its racist past? We're about to find out. Or are we? The landscape is already so littered with political detritus that it's hard to find a reliable vantage point from which to get a clear view of the world.
The Texas Observer |
Geoff Rips |
08-13-2008 |
Commentary
The Gospel According to John Cornynnew
Nearly 40 percent of Texans wouldn't know their junior senator if he fell on them. But Cornyn's dull exterior masks one of the most conservative records in the U.S. Senate.
The Texas Observer |
Dave Mann |
08-13-2008 |
Politics
Texas Republicans Sport Stiff Upper Lips at Their State Sonventionnew
Discord and infighting set the tone of the Republican convention in Houston, which saw a smaller and more subdued turnout than in recent years. The GOP event included many who felt betrayed by broken promises and false conservatism from current state and national leadership.
The Texas Observer |
Dave Mann and Forrest Wilder |
07-02-2008 |
Politics
At Their State Convention, Texas Dems Looked Like a Party on the Risenew
You couldn't look at the packed main hall of the Austin Convention Center -- where Democratic delegates, alternates, and guests filled nearly 15,000 chairs -- without thinking that perhaps Republican dominance of Texas politics was beginning to end.
The Texas Observer |
Dave Mann |
07-02-2008 |
Politics
Republicans are Pandering at the Pumpnew
We must face a difficult truth. With global oil reserves on the decline, the age of cheap gas is over. While government can provide some short-term fixes, nothing will permanently reduce gas prices. What we need is political leadership to formulate a realistic energy policy. Too bad the GOP can't deliver.
The Texas Observer |
Editorial |
07-02-2008 |
Commentary
