Free Republic

COLLEGE STATION - Three decades after earning his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards was back on campus this week trying to convince a new generation of Aggie students that he is still one of them. "If college students and high school seniors voted with the same intensity as our senior citizens, you guys would be the most powerful voting bloc in the state of Texas," the seven-term Waco Democrat told an informal assembly of about three dozen students who peppered him with questions about whether the draft might return, whether student loans would be available...

Neugebauer lands more high-powered support Hastert to stump for GOP congressman in Abilene By SEBASTIAN KITCHEN AVALANCHE-JOURNAL Republican star power will continue to roll through the region to speak on U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer's behalf when U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert stops in Abilene this morning. Hastert, R-Ill., will speak with members of the business community at 8:30 a.m. at the Abilene Civic Center. The meeting is open to all area small business owners. Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, said they will stress the importance of business for the nation's economy. "We will talk about how important it is to have an environment...

Vice President Dick Cheney is expected to attend a general election campaign kickoff rally for Republican congressional candidate Arlene Wohlgemuth in Waco later this month. The vice president's press office said it could not release his schedule until 48 hours before an event because of security reasons. The Wohlgemuth campaign said it could not "confirm or deny" his anticipated attendance at a rally in opponent U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards' hometown. But a fund-raiser invitation e-mailed to the Tribune-Herald Thursday alerted Wohlgemuth supporters that Cheney would be featured at the event. Todd Smith, a Wohlgemuth spokesman, said he could only confirm...

Stalemate in redistricting dispute BY APRIL CASTRO Associated Press Writer AUSTIN (AP) - House and Senate Republicans remained at odds on congressional redistricting Tuesday and one of the lead negotiators said he hopes a fourth special session won't be necessary for both chambers to agree on a new map. It appeared Tuesday that Gov. Rick Perry's preferred Wednesday deadline would be missed. "Obviously we want to get it done before the end of session so the governor doesn't have to call a fourth one," said Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, the House point man for negotiations. "But, I've done it three...