Democrats get ready for Saturday: Around Texas Thursday

Party's not over for Texas Democratic caucus-goers, Houston Chronicle. Summary: "Enthusiastic new voters swamped the Democratic caucuses earlier this month. Now, many are among the 88,000 delegates expected to attend this weekend's senatorial district and county conventions — yet another chaotic step in the state party's presidential nominating process."

Democrats hope trial settles ballot dispute, Aman Batheja, Star-Telegram. Summary: "The Texas secretary of state's office has planned changes to the state's mail-in ballots in response to the lawsuit."

Safety fears lead preacher to call off Texas visit, Terry Lee Goodrich, Star-Telegram

Perry still backs sale of lottery, John Moritz, Star-Telegram. Summary: "Although Gov. Rick Perry's proposal to turn the Texas lottery over to a private contractor fizzled out last year, he still supports the idea because he thinks it could generate billions of additional dollars for health or education programs, his spokesman said Wednesday."

With raises on the way, city workers cheer union pact, Houston Chronicle. Summary: "The 13-2 vote made Houston the first city in Texas to sign a pact with employees who are not police officers or firefighters."

As extra red-light cams went up, Houston tickets went down, Houston Chronicle. Summary: "Red-light camera citations have decreased steadily since Houston police boosted their monitoring at intersections six months ago, newly released records show."

Candidate Thompson rarely voted, Texas Politics blog

Hidalgo County to pick caucus delegates Saturday, Kyle Arnold, The Monitor

-- Richard Stubbe