Georgia: Deal, lawmakers clash. Gov. Nathan Deal (R), in spite of generally good relations with his GOP-controlled legislature, has some disagreements with Senate President Pro Tem David Shafer (R) and House Speaker David Ralston (R), reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. At issue, differing views on medical marijuana, craft beer and tying teacher pay to student performance ……. Tennessee: Trump on top. A late-fall Vanderbilt University poll showed Donald Trump with 29%, Ben Carson with 25%, Ted Cruz with 14% and Marco Rubio 12% ……. Texas: Perry boosts Cruz. Former Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX), who dropped out of the White House contest early, sent out a mass electronic mailing proclaiming “I’m proudly endorsing Ted Cruz for President.” Meanwhile, Marco Rubio garnered the backing of former New York Gov. – and erstwhile presidential candidate – George Pataki …….
