Transition Talk:
- Daniel Hodge, the current First Assistant Attorney General, will lead Governor-elect Greg Abbot’s transition team. Hodge is expected to go with Abbott to the governor’s office.
- Yesterday, Greg Abbott announced his intention to appoint Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos as the next Secretary of State. The Secretary of State serves as Texas’ chief election officer and advises the governor on border issues.
- The San Antonio Mayor’s Race is creating waves in the Texas Legislature. Representative Mike Villarreal (HD-123) recently submitted his resignation to Governor Perry in order to focus on his campaign for mayor. Rumors of whether Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (SD-26) will leave the Senate to run for mayor have prompted Representatives Trey Martinez Fischer (HD-116) and Jose Menendez (HD-124) of San Antonio to state interest in running for her Senate seat. As of today, one special election will be called in order to fill Rep. Villarreal’s seat. More could follow.
- Pre-filing of bills for the 2015 Legislative Session began Monday. A total of 371 bills were filed—257 in the House, using the new e-filing system, and 114 in the Senate. To take a peek at bills that have been filed, visit Texas Legislature Online.
Only in Austin…
Whislers, a cool Eastside cocktail bar in the former Rabbit’s space, recently celebrated its first year of business. Owner, Scranton Twohey, is no stranger to the business of bars. He opened and ran Bridget Dunlap’s bars on Rainey Street. At Whislers, he takes pride in making and serving craft cocktails without being pretentious. A unique addition to Whislers is its upstairs, Mezcaleria Tobala, where you can get a taste of Oaxaca (and its mezcals), without leaving Austin.
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