Dave Mann

Dave Mann has been with the Observer since 2003. Before that, he worked as a reporter in Fort Worth and Washington, D.C. He was born and raised in Philadelphia. He thinks border collies are the world’s greatest dogs, and believes in the nourishing powers of pickup basketball.

State of Texas: The Road to 500 ExecutionsMay 17, 2013
Texas will soon execute its 500th person since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Full Story
State of Texas: Who Pays How Much In TaxesApr 18, 2013
Texas' tax system is one of the most regressive in the country, meaning it falls especially hard on the poor. Full Story
Oops: The Top 10 Perry GaffesFeb 02, 2012
Full Story

Hot List: Day 65 of the LegislatureMar 13, 2013
It’s Celebrate the Second Amendment Day at the Capitol. You might say that’s every day at the Texas Legislature, and you’d have a point [...] Full Story
Hot List: Day 57 of the LegislatureMar 05, 2013
The Lead: Medicaid has been perhaps the most-discussed issue of the 83rd session so far—with the possible exception of education. And today will be [...] Full Story
Mary Margaret Farabee’s LegacyMar 04, 2013
All of us at The Texas Observer were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, supporter and benefactor Mary Margaret Farabee [...] Full Story
Hot List: Day 38 of the LegislatureFeb 14, 2013
The Lead: The Lege will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a slow work day at the Capitol. The Senate has already blown town for the [...] Full Story
Hot List: Day 36 of the LegislatureFeb 12, 2013
The Lead: House Democrats gave it the old college try yesterday (or should it be public school try?). Anyway, they hoped to prod the [...] Full Story

State of Texas: The Road to 500 ExecutionsMay 17, 2013
Texas will soon execute its 500th person since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Full Story
State of Texas: Who Pays How Much In TaxesApr 18, 2013
Texas' tax system is one of the most regressive in the country, meaning it falls especially hard on the poor. Full Story
The Arson Files: After Serving 25 Years, Ed Graf May Finally Receive New TrialJan 17, 2013
Ed Graf had waited 25 years for a chance to prove his innocence, and late last week, he finally got it. Full Story
If It Were Up To Us…Jan 06, 2013
We detail a dozen items that deal with the biggest problems in the state. Some of them are liberal fantasies (ahem, income tax) but others are sound public policy ideas that Texans of all ideologies support because they would improve the lives of millions of people. Full Story
Five Reasons Rick Perry Shouldn’t Run for President AgainDec 04, 2012
You have to admire Rick Perry's resilience. After enduring what some political pundits call the worst presidential campaign ever, most people wouldn't want to try again. Full Story