Why me and not Kesha Rogers
Democrats have an easy choice in the May 27 runoff for U.S. Senate. After the runoff, however, the real battle begins — against Republican John Cornyn.
More Columns
A plea to lawmakers: Address child poverty
Decades after I sat in a Head Start classroom, I’m reminded how far we have to go in helping poor kids in Texas.
We can't afford to let up on education
Texas’ graduation rate is higher than the national average, and if you drill down, it becomes even more impressive. But we can't afford to let up.
This ordeal has been a test of my faith
My opponent has launched one of the dirtiest attacks in the history of Texas politics. But I'm a Christian first, and it's time to put that faith into action.
Let's reimagine Texas' land-grant universities
The “A” and the “M” in our university system's name are symbolic links to our history. But as our reputation shifts, the land-grant mission we started with must be redefined.
The next UT chancellor should be...
Anyone who follows the news is aware of the strong debates that have occurred during my tenure. This job is not for the timid.
Wallace Hall should step aside
Wallace Hall's continued presence on the UT board of regents will further complicate the university system's efforts to move beyond this toxic environment, particularly as it seeks to fill the role of chancellor.
Wallace Hall should stand his ground
I know what it's like to have to stand up and fight against the political establishment. Wallace Hall has stood up for transparency and accountability, and he shouldn't back down.
Get big donors out of energy policy
Texas — a place where the energy economy isn’t under siege by ideologues and special interests — shows exactly how Americans will benefit once the nation overcomes those awful influences.
Why me and not Abbott or Davis
Can I win? It’s a long shot, but the only shot we have. If you love liberty, Texas and the Constitution, I'm not just another choice for Texas governor. I'm your only choice.
Memo to Texas cities: Adapt or fail
The state's law that bans Tesla from selling cars directly to consumers makes no sense. Texas cities must find smart ways to remove obstacles that hinder innovations in business like Uber and Google Fiber.
Use highway fund only for transportation
Let's stop diverting hundreds of millions of dollars a year from the state highway fund to finance other agencies. We need all of that money for our roads.
Disruptive change benefits industry and customers
Disruptive forces are at work on the energy industry’s business model. CPS Energy is embracing the changes.
Why me and not Greg Abbott
We can elect someone who supports policies that favor political insiders at the expense of hardworking Texans. Or we can elect someone who fights for all Texans — regardless of their age, race or gender.
Welcome to TribTalk
Welcome to TribTalk — a digital forum for dialogue and debate about issues of the the day. Think of it as an op-ed page for the 21st century.
Why me and not Wendy Davis
We’ve seen that more government leads to more spending, which leads to more taxes, which would devastate the economic miracle we have worked so hard to create in Texas. I have fought against that mindset.
What the charter movement wants
The escalating education reform fight has muddled the debate over how to prepare students for college. Here’s how Texas schools should change.
We can find a middle ground on fracking
The fight over fracking has never made much room for nuance. As oil and gas continues to boom in Texas and beyond, we need smart, constructive debate.
Give up the green
Lush lawns are a waste of time and money and a drain on our dwindling water supplies. It’s time for Texans to rethink this silly obsession.
I ran for Congress and lost. Here's what I learned.
My congressional campaign exposed me to the harsh realities of politics. That doesn't mean I won't run again.