Burkablog

1. Perry “leaning” toward running in 2014
   That’s what he says. I’ll believe it when he files. This seems more like a sign of weakness than a sign of strength — an effort to remain relevant in the wake of his failures in the presidential race, as if he is trying to fend off potential opponents. If Perry is planning on running [...]
2. One more comment on the UT/Trib poll
   I have made some inquiries today about internal polling in the Senate race. I am satisfied that the 38-27 spread in the UT/Trib poll considerably understates Dewhurst’s lead over Cruz.
3. UT/Trib poll: Dewhurst leads Cruz
   Dewhurst 38% Cruz 27% Leppert 7% James 7% Jim Henson, co-director of the poll, writes, “David Dewhurst is roughly splitting the extremely conservative primary voters with Ted Cruz.  That’s not a sign of failure or defeat, but it is a yellow flag.” Maybe I’m reading this wrong, but it seems to me that if Dewhurst [...]
4. UT affirmative action case to be heard by Supreme Court
   The case is brought by two white students who attended Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugarland. UT won in the district court and before a panel of the Fifth Circuit. It will be heard in the fall term of the Court, which begins on October 1. The big change in the Court since the [...]
5. TLR responds
   Sherry Sylvester of Texans for Lawsuit Reform submitted a response to my recent post, “TLR bets the farm.” I have edited portions of the response that did not directly address matters that were in my original post. Some of the omitted material appears in a comment posted yesterday by Ames Jones’ consultant Todd Olsen. TLR [...]
6. The UT/Trib poll
   It should come as no surprise that Rick Santorum is far ahead in the Texas primary. Evangelicals are a major factor here, and Santorum carries their banner. Neither Gingrich nor Romney has done anything to get back in the race nationally, although Romney has the most resources. Intrade, the Internet wagering site, gives Romney a [...]
7. TLR bets the farm
   Does  TLR’s jihad against Jeff Wentworth make sense? Forget that Wentworth has voted with TLR on all but a handful of occasions. Forget that Wentworth is a well known incumbent who will have the support of the local business community, and TLR is, in this race, a bunch of carpetbaggers from Houston. The real question [...]
8. Reggie Bashur update
   His family has asked me to post an update on his condition. Reggie will return from M.D. Anderson to Austin and will go into hospice care, most likely at his home.
9. Davis tweets: victory in SD 10
   “Senate District 10 partners victorious in preserving&strengthening ’08 district. Lege damage repaired. Thanks to all who supported&believed.” [tweeted @ 1:33 p.m.] * * * * Just pointing out the obvious: The saving of Davis’s seat could take on added significance if senators choose the successor to Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst.
10. 1996: The year the Republican Party of Texas turned hard right
    One of the most interesting aspects of a Texas presidential primary, if there is one, will be how Mitt Romney fares. Romney is the establishment candidate. The size of the Romney vote will clarify what percentage of the state’s Republican vote is still cast by the establishment. In its early days, the Republican Party of [...]