For Clues About Texas Next Election Cycle, Keep an Eye on Leaders' Priorities in Legislature

The 2018 Texas election season begins next week.When lawmakers meet Tuesday to start the state's legislative session, it will be the warm-up for next year's statewide races, including the contest for governor.Along the way, members of the House and Senate will spend at least five months passing laws and making policy. But this often explosive sausage making sets the tone for the political battles ahead.All eyes will be on the three most influential Texas leaders — Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus, all Republicans. It's their second session together, but all are veterans of the process and have a lot at stake.  Continue reading...