Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott launched his campaign for governor over the weekend. Abbott joins Tom Pauken in the race on the Republican side. No announcements yet from the Democrat side.
The Second Called Session of the Texas Legislature remains ongoing. House Bill 2 relating to the regulation of abortion procedures, providers, and facilities and Senate Bill 2 relating to the punishment for a capital felony committed by an individual younger than 18 years of age have passed and been sent to Governor Perry for signature. The House and the Senate are trying to reach agreement on legislation to provide additional funding for the state’s transportation infrastructure. Members have until July 30th, the last day of this special session, to find common ground.
Gov. Rick Perry ordered a special election to fill House District 50 left vacant due to former Rep. Mark Strama’s resignation. The election will be held on November 5, the general election date. The winner of the special election will complete the remainder of Strama’s term.
Texas A&M University President R. BowenLoftin announced Friday that he would be stepping down from his post and returning to teaching. Loftin will serve as a tenured professor in A&M’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in the Dwight Look College of Engineering. A national search will be conducted for his successor.