The Midday Brief: November 20, 2009

Your afternoon reading:

• “But state officials cautioned that a month of jobs gains doesn't necessarily mean that Texas will post sustained job gains over the next few months.” — Texas adds 41,700 jobs in October — Dallas Morning News

• “"This is the land of opportunity, regardless of race, origin or country," said Shami, who is Quaker.” — Despite his millions, Shami faces steep climb to governor's office — Austin American-Statesman

• “I've plugged back into Texas politics to find that half the state is apparently running for governor (doesn't anyone want to run for school board anymore?).” — The Contrarian Returns — The Contrarian

• “Why in the world would Hutchison choose to make her first spot one that focuses on a process issue? Nobody cares about process.” — The first Hutchison TV spot — BurkaBlog

• “This is a very effective spot. I give it 9 out of 10.” — The first Perry TV spot — BurkaBlog

• “The UTIMCO trustees came under sharp criticism from state lawmakers, Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst earlier this year for giving $2.3 million in performance bonuses last year during the dramatic downturn in the economy.” — UTIMCO to give performance bonuses — Texas Politics

New in The Texas Tribune:

• “Critics of the lending practices argue the industry got what it paid for when it comes to regulation: nothing.” — Debtors' Treadmill, Part Two: Political Payday — The Texas Tribune

• “The worst numbers in the state were in the Golden Triangle area and along the Texas-Mexico border.” — TribBlog: Unemployment Rises in Texas — The Texas Tribune

• "Kay Bailey Hutchison doesn't attack Rick Perry in her television ads (which just started today), but her Internet advertising is a different proposition." — Video: KBH Internet Ad — The Texas Tribune