It seems early to the rest of us, but election officials are getting ready for the 2016 presidential election year. And federal judges could foul things up — like they did four years ago — if they’re late with pending rulings on congressional and state House district lines and on photo ID laws for voters. “We’re holding our breath,” said Jacque Callanen, Bexar County’s elections administrator. “We’re closing in on our next round of elections.” Late court-driven changes to the state's political maps pushed the 2012 primaries from March to May. That had real consequences: Ted Cruz credited the extra time as one factor that enabled him to overcome Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, the favorite in that year’s race for U.S. Senate.
- Analysis: Reasserting Power, by Concentrating It.
Dan Patrick’s endorsement of state Rep.Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola — and of six Republican incumbents seeking re-electionto the Texas Senate — could strengthen a core of movement conservatives in the Legislature’s upper chamber. That, in turn, would bolster the lieutenant governor’s own strength in a state government not dominated by any single personality.
