The Brief: March 2, 2010

Some unsolicited advice on how to make the most of Election/Texas Independence Day: Vote, of course, if you haven’t already. But don’t then spend the day twiddling your thumbs waiting for the results.  Get a party together and crank up the “Farouk!”

Last night, with less than 24 hours before the primary elections close, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami’s campaign made a move that was, at the very least, unconventional. They released a Shami-themed hip-hop song — called “Farouk” — performed by Houston rapper J. Xavier.  Here’s the chorus:

Who's got the new solutions for Texas? FAROUK!

When it comes to the state, who's gone rep it? FAROUK!

Now say it! Farouk! Farouk! Farouk is on fire

Serving the community, his number one desire

Here’s the song:

Unfortunately, while this opus may be destined for the pantheon of great Texas gubernatorial-themed rap songs, it’s only likely to get heavy rotation tonight at the Westin Galleria in Houston, where Shami will be having his Election Night party. Chances are Shami’s chief competitor, Democratic frontrunner Bill White, won’t be dancing to “Farouk” at his reception at the Legends Ballroom in Houston.

Also, don’t expect to hear it at Eddy Deen’s Ranch in Dallas, where gubernatorial hopeful U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison will be awaiting the results. Gov. Rick Perry won’t likely be blasting it for his supporters at the Salt Lick in Driftwood. Nor will Debra Medina in Wharton.

But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.  Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In the spirit of other politically enthused hip-hop artists: Vote or Die!

CULLED

• It’s an end to what remains tragic legal saga. Tim Cole, who died while in prison for a rape he didn’t commit, finally had his name cleared yesterday when  Gov. Rick Perry issued him the first posthumous pardon in Texas history.

• In a midnight move before today’s election, 10th Court of Appeals Justice Felipe Reyna fired the opening salvos of a defamation lawsuit against a Longview doctor and two political action committees supporting Al Scoggins, his GOP primary opponent. Reyna filed a petition asking the state district court in McLennan County to order the deposition of Dr. John Coppedge, the Texas BiPartisan Justice Committee (of which Coppedge serves as treasurer), the Brazos County Physicians for Judge Scoggins, and any other involved parties.The document cites statements on the BiPartisan Justice Committee’s Web site concerning Reyna’s judicial record as the source of Reyna’s possible defamation claim.

• “Many Hispanics do not know they are white,” writes Adriana Gómez Licón of the El Paso Times.  The important thing to remember during at the 2010 census gets underway — in the eyes of the U.S. Census Bureau — they probably are.  This has been a point of confusion in the past, and is likely to be this year, as well.

• The National Journal released its vote rankings for 2009.  U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Dallas, came in 28th for the title of  most conservative senator.  U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-San Antonio, came in 12th.  In the House, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, was the least conservative member, with a composite score of 8.8.

“You’ve got to be running against Dracula.” — political analyst Peck Young on a Republican’s chances of winning in left-leaning Travis County.

MUST READ:

• Rick Perry vs. the DPS — The Texas Tribune

• Can Republican gubernatorial candidates mend the rift by November? —The Dallas Morning News

 • Even mundane details count on Election Day —San Antonio Express-News

• Friedman, Gilbert assail proposed Texas cuts in food aid — Dallas Morning News

• Justices show concern over Skilling case — Houston Chronicle

• Many have already cast ballots — Amarillo Globe-News