Politics in 2019: Get Ready for Donald Trump, Beto O'Rourke, Dallas Mayor's Race, Texas Legislature

This year will be a prelude to the 2020 presidential election, one that could include two or more candidates from Texas. At the same time, politics in 2019 will be highlighted by an intriguing Texas legislative session and a wide-open race for Dallas mayor.After last year's rollicking midterm elections, 2019 will offer little time off from politics.Here are some things to look for as the year unfolds.Does Beto O'Rourke run for president?The former El Paso congressman thrilled many Texans with his spirited run for the U.S. Senate against Republican incumbent Ted Cruz. He lost to Cruz by 2.6 percent of the vote, with the enthusiasm surrounding his campaign helping to push to victory Democrats in federal and local races.Now O'Rourke is pondering a run for president, and there's a movement to draft him into the Democratic race. He's already polling ahead of every Democrat except former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.Critics of O'Rourke and political pundits ask a logical question: How can a guy be successful in a presidential run coming off a Senate loss in his home state?  Continue reading...