Twitter:@scottbraddock (1,925 followers) Facebook:facebook.com/scottbraddockradio (2,493 friends) Total followers: 4,418 Why he makes the list: The former KRLD host has relocated to Austin, and remains a vibrant, active voice about all things Texas politics. He frequently engages his Twitter followers in passionate debates on all manner of controversial subjects. Sample tweet: "To hear some Republicans yearn for the era of Bill Clinton is just bizarre." (Jan. 27)
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Joel Burns, Fort Worth councilman
Twitter:@JoelBurns (6,507 followers) Facebook:facebook.com/imwithjoel (12,026 likes) Total followers: 18,533 Why he makes the list: The councilman, who was thrust into the national spotlight after reading an emotional anti-bullying statement at a council meeting (the video went viral), posts on a mix of topics, including Fort Worth politics and community, bullying, LGBT issues and his family life. Sample tweet: "A Fort Worth-based @AmericanAirlines [@AmericanAir] plane full of tired, happy peeps headed home to @DFWairport. w/ @TonyaVeasey" (Jan. 22)
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Susan Cloud, producer of the Mark Davis Show
Twitter: @producersusan (6,963 followers) Facebook: 1,687 friends Total followers: 8,726 Why she makes the list: For us, Cloud represents independent thinking, and she'll call BS on both sides. She's the producer of The Mark Davis Show on KSKY/660 AM, but when it comes to Twitter, she's the headliner, not the person who keeps the ship steady. Sample tweet: "How did my tweet about Colin Powell turn into springboard for birther conspiracists? Signing off a few days to restore my faith in mankind." (Jan. 13)
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Jonathan Neerman, former chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party
Twitter: @JonathanNeerman (1,399 followers) Facebook: Public figure page, 1,193 likes; personal page, 4,117 friends Total followers: 6,709 Why he makes the list: Former chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party, opinionated spouter-offer on conservative issues. Sample tweet: "Repeat after me, Texas GOP: We oppose Obamacare. #Txlege" (Jan. 16)
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Joshua Trevino, conservative political commentator; VP for external relations at Texas Public Policy Foundation
Twitter: @jstrevino (14,966 followers) Why he makes the list: Considering he's been called everything from "my favorite campaign spokesman ever" (Doug Sovern) to "one of the most extremist right-wing militants in America," he gets people talking. Sample tweet: "Not so, @conncarroll: there is ample data that [immigration reform] is a gateway topic for other conservative messaging among Hispanics." (Jan. 29)
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Aman Batheja, reporter for The Texas Tribune
Twitter: @AmanBatheja (2,187 followers) Why he makes the list: Former Star-Telegram political reporter who now works for The Texas Tribune in Austin; makes Lone Star State political tweeting fun, relatable and relevant to a younger generation. Sample tweet: "Robert Caro to make a Simpsons cameo. I would totally buy a Caro bio of Mayor Quimby." (Jan. 27)
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Kathleen Hicks, Fort Worth councilwoman
Twitter:@kathleenhicks (1,194 followers) Facebook: Politician page, 1,975 likes Total followers: 3,169 Why she makes the list: The councilwoman tweets about her city, but has a broad world view, engaging followers on all sorts of global and national topics, and her voice is proudly female-centric. Her topics can range from "Who is Africa's first female billionaire?" to retweeting comedian Lizz Winstead ("When are the GOP calling for Beyonce hearings? #ScandalSchmandal") Sample tweet: "Yes! Young female veterans celebrate new era for women in combat nbcnews.to/VYdg6A via @NBCNewsUS" (Jan. 23)
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Betsy Price, Fort Worth mayor
Twitter:@Betsy_Price (2,612 followers) Facebook:facebook.com/betsypriceFW (1,714 likes) Total followers: 4,326 Why she makes the list: Fort Worth's current mayor, when she's not organizing community bike rides, is keeping the citizenry abreast of developments large and small via her active Twitter feed. Her connectivity helps foster a sense of connection with her constituents. Sample tweet: "Thank you, FWPD Officer Sawyer for your service to Fort Worth citizens! You make a difference every day!" (Jan. 22)
