/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/14/_BDB8222TMFCMS.jpg)
Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. TMF is back, proving that not everything in a race for speaker of the Texas House is about who’s going to be the next speaker of the Texas House. The TMF in this instance is Trey Martinez Fischer, a bull of a Democratic House member from San Antonio who gave up his seat to run — unsuccessfully — for the Texas Senate and is now poised to return to his old stomping grounds. Known around the Capitol by his initials, he was one of the leaders of the Democrats before he left. Others stepped up and could reasonably expect to keep going even though he’s back. That might be what happens. But TMF, never a shrinking violet, sent a letter last week to some of the real and suspected candidates for speaker, urging them to show their faces, to start a dialogue over the direction of the House — to come out and play. The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors. Become one. … [Read more...] about Analysis: Candidates to replace Joe Straus aren’t the only power-seekers in the House
Analysis candide
Analysis: Candidates vie for attention in 3rd District race
EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS Voters in central Mississippi’s 3rd District are choosing a new member of Congress for the first time in a decade. Candidates have been traveling for weeks to speak at forums and fish fries, and the heavy rotation of advertising – for those who can afford it – is expected to begin close to Memorial Day. Party primaries are June 5, and if a runoff is needed to choose the Republican nominee, it will be June 26. Rep. Gregg Harper of Pearl was first elected in 2008 to what was then an open seat because fellow Republican Chip Pickering stepped aside after 12 years. Harper announced early this year that he wouldn’t seek another term, saying he thinks a decade in Washington is enough. The district encompasses all of 20 counties and parts of four others. It runs in a diagonal across the middle of the state, from two counties that touch the Mississippi River in the southwestern corner, up through the more densely populated suburbs of Madison and … [Read more...] about Analysis: Candidates vie for attention in 3rd District race
Analysis: Some governments revolt against purchasing law
Here's a dark-horse candidate for the most unpopular law passed by last year's Mississippi Legislature: House Bill 1106.It's a measure few outside of government have ever heard of, but the requirement to change how state agencies and local governments buy things is infamous among county supervisors and others.Cities, counties and others have long taken sealed bids purchases of supplies, equipment or certain services worth more than $50,000. But the new law requires agencies and governments to use a reverse auction for such purchases.A reverse auction allows bidders to then undercut each other once the original bids are tallied. A company selling dump trucks, for example, might see on a computer screen that it's not the lowest bidder to sell five trucks to a particular county. The company can choose to lower its bid to win the business. More: Government purchasing reforms set to kick in; local leaders worried Proponents of the system say it's a sure money-saver. Vaughn … [Read more...] about Analysis: Some governments revolt against purchasing law
Analysis: Trump ignores script, and GOP squirms
By Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns WASHINGTON – President Trump’s approval ratings have been nudging upward, and his party’s political standing is improving, but the president’s unceasing habit of making inflammatory and insensitive remarks is galvanizing opposition against him – especially from women – that could smother Republican momentum going into the midterm campaign. Saturday was a case in point. In a Twitter post, Trump appeared to raise doubts about the entire #MeToo movement, a day after he had offered sympathy for a former aide accused of spousal abuse. “Peoples lives are being shattered and destroyed by a mere allegation,” the president wrote on Twitter, adding: “There is no recovery for someone falsely accused – life and career are gone. Is there no such thing any longer as Due Process?” The president’s seeming indifference to claims of abuse infuriated Republicans, who were already … [Read more...] about Analysis: Trump ignores script, and GOP squirms
Analysis: Nashville mayor must ‘get everything right’ to regain political stature, trust
NASHVILLE — The future of Nashville's biggest political rising star is now in question. The final, practical ramifications of Nashville Mayor Megan Barry's affair with the head of her security detail are unknown. Barry admitted to an affair with police Sgt. Robert Forrest Jr. on Jan. 31. While the mayor denies breaking any laws or policies, if the ongoing law enforcement and city council investigations find official or financial misconduct, it will almost certainly end the 54-year-old's burgeoning political career.Even if Barry is cleared, Tennessee Democrats are faced with a harsh truth: One of the most promising players on the party's not-so-deep bench may be forever tainted. Feb. 6: Nashville mayor routinely traveled without security before affair, records show Feb. 6: Nashville mayor backed daughter of affair partner for city job A prominent Tennessee Democrat running for governor doesn't think it's a good idea to … [Read more...] about Analysis: Nashville mayor must ‘get everything right’ to regain political stature, trust