Retired Lt. Gen. Ric Sanchez filed the paperwork for a U.S. Senate run, saying he'll seek the Democratic nomination in next year's race to succeed Kay Bailey Hutchison.

As expected, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples says he will run for lieutenant governor in 2014. Texas Rangers honcho Nolan Ryan signed on as his statewide chairman.

Rob Johnson, campaign manager for Rick Perry last year and now the governor's deputy chief of staff, is leaving the government payroll for another political job — senior advisor to Newt Gingrich's exploratory presidential campaign.

Dan Neil conceded to Democrat Donna Howard in the House District 48 race Friday afternoon, just days after a House committee turned back his challenge to the November election results.

Former Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, is back in the game with a new Texas First Foundation he says will pursue policy solutions across party lines.

Put Rep. Warren Chisum on the "maybe" list for Texas Railroad Commissioner, if there is such a thing when the job comes open.

Michele Kay, a writer for the Austin American-Statesman, for Texas Business magazine, and from time to time, for Texas Weekly, and a teacher who helped revive the journalism program at St. Edwards University in Austin, passed away this morning after a long bout with cancer.

Joe Greenhill, former chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court, has died, according to close associates. He was 96.

Speaker Joe Straus appointed members to committees today, shuffling the assignments in a Texas House where one in four members is a freshman and where Republicans have a two-to-one numerical advantage.