Houston’s Political Identity and a 3D Printed Heart: Wednesday’s Show (April 8, 2015)

Texas is undeniably a conservative state, dominated in state offices by Republicans and largely on the national stage by far right-leaning figures. Yet, here in Houston, we seem to be a more bluish (or at least less red) dot, politically speaking. Are we, though, really so different from the rest of Texas, or do some Houstonians just wish we were?

On this edition of Houston Matters, we consider how much perceptions of Houston – here, across the state and nationwide — are influenced by the political opinions of the observer. We contemplate whether we reflect the image of the rest of Texas, or merely lack a clearer, non-political image of Greater Houston independent of the rest of Texas?

And do our most prominent nationally-known politicians – former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz – reflect to the rest of the country what we want to get across about who we are? Do they skew others' perceptions of what Houstonians – and Texans – are about?

Then: Houston mom Anne Garcia learned her infant daughter had a critical congenital heart defect. The experience led Garcia to create OpHeart. It's a non-profit focused on giving doctors access to 3D printed models of patients' hearts as a pre-operative tool. Garcia tells Houston Matters' Maggie Martin about where her mission's journey began.

Plus: What do mega churches, potholes and Houston Matters producer Edel Howlin have in common? We find out.