Podcast hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jay Aiyer talk about the recent debate over debates in Texas. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has passed on debating his Democratic opponent Mike Collier, but is headed off to match up with Geraldo Rivera on Fox News.

Ted Cruz has proposed five debates with challenger Beto O'Rourke, but details have been difficult to pin down and a scheduled debate for this week was cancelled.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott agreed to debate Lupe Valdez on a Friday night in September, which is the only statewide debate set at this time.

Brandon and Jay talk about the impact of debates (or no debates) and what all this means for Texas voters.

NATIONAL

Senator McCain passes away – his political legacy

AG Jeff Sessions versus Trump on the Russia investigation

"NAFTA" redo

National Enquirer holds back negative stories on Trump

TEXAS

Harris County Flood Bond passed – now what?

Culbertson gifts controversy

New Executive Commissioner named for struggling Texas Health and Human Services Commission

The Governor's "$10,000 appointees"

Controversy over calling a special election for Senate District 6

You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Party Politics is produced by Don Geraci, the audio engineer is Todd Hulslander and our digital editor is Al Ortiz.

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