Rangel: Is candidate's tough talk real or just election rhetoric?

AUSTIN - In case you didn't notice, New Jersey just became the 14th state that allows same-sex marriages, even though Republican Gov. Chris Christie is a leading presidential contender in 2016.

In addition, Ohio is now the eighth state with a GOP governor to opt for the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act - or Obamacare - the health care law most Republicans abhor.

Turning a bit purple, California and 10 other states, including New Mexico and Utah - both with GOP governors - issue drivers' licenses to undocumented immigrants.

And not surprising, in the aftermath of last year's shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Connecticut, Maryland, New York and other blue states approved gun restrictions.

Could Texas be next? Don't countordinance, we'll see you in court when Ken Paxton is attorney general," the state senator from McKinney warned before the San Antonio City Council passed the measure.

In addition, opposition to the Medicaid expansion remains as solid as when President Barack Obama signed the landmark legislation three years ago.

Also, though in this year's session the Republican-dominated Texas Legislature nearly passed a bill that would have allowed undocumented immigrants get drivers' permits, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and his three challengers are now talking tough on illegal immigration.

And all GOP hopefuls have left no doubt where they stand on gun issues. Last weekend, Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, one of Dewhurst's challengers, even led a pro-gun rally at the Alamo.

The main goal of the rally is simple: "The peaceful exercise of