The Midday Brief: December 29, 2009

Your afternoon reading:

• “The state constitution doesn't say, in so many words, that Carl Mitz has the absolute right to pry open a horse's mouth, grab hold of the tongue, and commence sawing away at the back molars with a power tool.” — Texas Horse Dentists Feel the Bite Of State Regulatory Oversight  — Wall Street Journal

• “Democrats have opportunities of their own in these critical states. In Texas and Florida, a win in the governor's races would give the party a seat at the table with the Republican majorities in the state legislatures. That is of particular import in Texas, which is slated to gain as many as four congressional seats in 2010.” — States in play: An early look at 2011 redistricting — The Washington Post

• “The amount is a lot higher than the remuneration package given to the executive directors of the RMAs in San Antonio and Austin.” — State transportation leaders have no problem with RMA chief's $1 million salary — Rio Grande Guardian

• “Why would Carona consider a run for mayor? It's hard to say.” — Carona would consider run for mayor if Leppert doesn't seek re-election — Dallas City Hall blog

• “Karl Rove, former senior adviser to President George W. Bush, has been granted a divorce in Texas after 24 years of marriage, family spokeswoman Dana Perino said.” — Karl Rove granted divorce in Texas — Politico

New in The Texas Tribune:

• “Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has laid out her vision for the future of transportation in Texas.” — 2010: On the Road Again — The Texas Tribune  

• “I think it holds up. It's a pretty good film — not a bad way to start enjoying our 2010 Texas election season. Enjoy.” — Last Man Standing, Part Two — The Texas Tribune