An in-your-face conservative radio talk show host when he's not in the Legislature, Dan Patrick has long relished being a Senate troublemaker.
But after voters elected the tea party darling to lead the Senate, Patrick promises to be "the lieutenant governor of all people." The softer approach would defy his polarizing political history and could help reconcile his hard-line campaign promises with those of Republican Gov.-elect Greg Abbott.
While Texas' next governor has emphasized Hispanic outreach, Patrick vowed to secure the Texas-Mexico border and stop immigrants' "illegal invasion." The two may also differ on how deeply to cut taxes and best overhaul public education.
Democrats fear Patrick will resurrect his push to rid the Senate of a rule enabling the minority party to block especially contentious legislation from consideration.
