Lieutenant governor candidates, in particular state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, have harsh words for undocumented immigrants coming to Texas. He has called it an “illegal invasion,” drawing ire from Hispanic Democrats and Republicans alike. Read the Texas Tribune story from Alexa Ura and Morgan Smith here.

The Houston Chronicle’s Peggy Fikac goes in-depth with reaction to the AP news that state Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, is friendly to “open carry.” Some see it as a break in the ranks, and some say it can’t hurt in gun-friendly Texas. Democratic lieutenant governor candidate state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte says, “This is one where Wendy and I are on a different page.” Story here.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christi is getting a cold reception from top GOP leaders in Texas and Democrats alike as he came to the Metroplex to raise money for the Republican Governors Association. Claire...

Perry is supporting a “Robotics Challenge.” Read the release below.

Gov. Perry Announces TETF Grant for DARPA Robotics Challenge

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has announced the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) has awarded a $1.5 million grant to support the University of Texas’ (UT) and Texas A&M University’s (TAMU) participation in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Robotics Challenge (DRC).

“Texas is home to world-class universities that continue to advance exciting new technologies and groundbreaking research,” Gov. Perry said. “This investment has the potential to save lives through innovation in robotic technology that could assist in disaster responses around the world.”

DARPA initiated the DRC to develop effective human responses to nuclear disasters. During the challenge, eight real-world tasks are identified to mimic a disaster recovery, including opening...

By Matthew Waller
AUSTIN — Texas is poised to consider storing spent nuclear reactor fuel, or high-level radioactive waste, from all over the country.

On Friday, state House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, gave out interim charges to standing committees in the House.

One of his three charges to the House Environmental Regulation Committee read: “Study the rules, laws, and regulations pertaining to the disposal of high-level radioactive waste in Texas and determine the potential economic impact of permitting a facility in Texas. Make specific recommendations on the state and federal actions necessary to permit a high-level radioactive waste disposal or interim storage facility in Texas.”

The setup bothered Tom Smith, the Texas director for the left-leaning watchdog group Public Citizen.

“Every state that has looked at this has decided it’s too dangerous eventually,” Smith said...

Here is the release from Sen. Wendy Davis’ campaign following Abbott’s border security speech :

Abbott’s Border Security Rhetoric Matches Hostile Record

Fort Worth, TX: As Greg Abbott unveiled his latest plan in Dallas today, it is unsurprising that he refused to discuss:

his opposition to the current Texas DREAM Act that enables students to go to college,
his Party’s efforts to repeal birthright citizenship,
or, his open support of hostile and controversial immigration legislation.
“Actions speak louder than words, and Greg Abbott’s actions are downright hostile,” said Campaign spokeswoman Rebecca Acuña. “Greg Abbott’s positions don’t vary much from the ‘stop the invasion’ rhetoric we’re hearing from his allies. Abbott even went as far as comparing the Texas border to a third world country. Unlike Greg Abbott, Senator Davis has a strong record of fighting for all Texans.”

In 2011...

Below is the full speech from today in Dallas as the campaign released from Texas gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Greg Abbott. Read Democratic opponent state Sen. Wendy Davis’ criticism here

Release:
AUSTIN – Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott today unveiled his Securing Texans policy release in Dallas, TX. In discussing the third in a series of policy proposals, Abbott offered reforms that will protect Texas children, enhance school safety, combat organized and transnational crime, strengthen border security and provide comprehensive care to victims of sex crimes and trafficking, among others.

In the included remarks, Abbott discussed his vision for Texas, saying, “We must do more to keep Texas safe, and we can. As Governor, I will fight to secure our families, our communities, and our border – keeping out the drug cartels and gangs that import crime to...

By Matthew Waller

AUSTIN, Texas — George Prescott Bush stood among the ladies at the Concho Valley Republican Women’s meeting in San Angelo as they spoke about how attractive the contender for the Texas General Land Office commissioner was. A Hispanic woman joked in Spanish to him that the boyish man of 37 with a broad smile looked better in person than on TV.

George P. Bush is the nephew of former President George W. Bush and the son of Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida. At the meeting in late September he had already been campaigning for 11 months, having delivered 120 speeches to grass-roots clubs and collected 350 endorsements.

“You’ve just got to work harder than the next person,” Bush said. “That’s the key. That’s always been the Bush family secret to success.”

Bush is ascending as he may both continue the Bush political dynasty and as he becomes the face of a Hispanic...

The time is coming for voters to gear up for elections.

The deadline to register to vote is Monday, and those who don’t have a photo ID suitable for the polls are encouraged to get one soon.

“We’re seeing a fair amount of activity,” said Linda Krefting, president of The League of Women Voters of Texas, an organization that aims to increase voting participation. “A number of county elections offices have been out across the state. That’s all good news.”

She said the bad news continues to be Texas’ low voter turnout. During the last March gubernatorial primary, 11 percent of Republicans and 5 percent of Democrats turned out.

This time, however, a number of competitive statewide races are at stake, including the governor’s spot, and Krefting said she hopes “because there is more excitement about some of the races, we’ll see more voter turnout.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety...

AUSTIN — State representatives have some homework.

House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, released interim charges Friday for state representatives to address between now and the next legislative session in 2015.

“The charges reflect many of the ideas and issues that you have suggested the House study over the next year,” Straus said in a cover letter to the 44-page document laying out the charges. “I also hope you will approach these issues with an open mind. Don’t be afraid to consider new and different ways to make state government more effective, efficient and accountable to taxpayers.”

The charges included standard language about monitoring the implementation of new legislation and maximizing government efficiency for the more than 30 standing committees. Straus also put up specific items such as looking into topics such as online education, investigating the deadly explosion...

By Matthew Waller
AUSTIN — State Rep. Susan King got a new outlook on life with disabilities during the last legislative session. After falling at a family reunion, the legislator had to use crutches to get around the Capitol.

King, , R-Abilene, knew most every nook and cranny of the historic building, which helped her avoid or navigate the many stairs and corridors of the Capitol. However, she began to worry about others moving through the halls of Texas’ legislative building.

“Just like anything, until you’ve experienced something personally sometimes we don’t have an awareness or a strong interest in what is going on,” King said over the phone Monday.

Now she is trying to open a dialogue and encourage studies on how to better accommodate people with disabilities.

She said she is trying to work with Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, as part of that effort.

“Speaker...

[Photo: Snow and ice at an Austin apartment complex]

AUSTIN — Severe winter cold has strained Texas’ energy infrastructure, but it also has allowed the Lone Star State to help other parts of the country during a propane shortage.

Below-freezing temperatures this month produced a record for winter demand in Texas — 57,277 megawatts Jan. 7, compared with the previous record of 57,265 megawatts Feb. 10, 2011.

One megawatt can power 200 homes during the summer or 500 homes during a mild winter.

That day “did create some challenges for our grid,” said Robbie Searcy, spokeswoman for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. “Quite a bit of generation went offline.”

ERCOT also faced challenges when a power plant suddenly went offline, forcing ERCOT to issue a Level 1 emergency alert. The system recovered after more generation turned on.

The volatility of energy production in Texas has...