The Midday Brief: November 18, 2009

Your afternoon reading: 

• “Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison may have won the backing of former Vice President Dick Cheney in her race for Texas governor, a key endorsement for a candidate seeking conservative support. But her drive to unseat Republican Gov. Rick Perry remains an uphill battle.” — Hutchison Chases Texas Right — Wall Street Journal

• “Texans: Are you really married? Maybe not.” — Texas marriages in legal limbo because of constitutional amendment, candidate says — Fort Worth Star-Telegram

• “We're playing our B team out there.  At best. “ — Why Are Our Best Players Potential Benchwarmers? — Burnt Orange Report

• “Former North Richland Hills Mayor Charles Scoma confirmed today he is planning to run against state Rep. Kelly Hancock in next year's March primary.” — Hancock draws repeat primary opponent — PoliTex

• “Democrats haven’t won a statewide race since 1994, so why does this middle-aged guy with a bald head and big ears think he's the fresh face of the party?” — The Great White Hope — Texas Monthly (subscription required) 

New in The Texas Tribune:

• “There is no CD-52 in Texas. There is similarly no 91st, 58th, 85th, 68th, or 86th congressional district.. And if there is a CD-00, it’s been kept under wraps.” — On the Records: Feds Stimulate Imaginary Districts — The Texas Tribune 

• “He was so over-medicated that he rolled off of the top of a bunk bed and badly injured his face and eyes. “ — Detaining Care, Part Three: Andre's Story — The Texas Tribune

Special Note: Our tribute to legendary AP photographer Harry Cabluck has ballooned to over 40 entries.  See them here and feel free to leave more in the comments.