The Midday Brief: February 16, 2010

Your afternoon reading.

“Gov. Rick Perry and other top Texas officials on Tuesday announced a legal challenge to the federal government's finding that greenhouse gases are dangerous to people, claiming the ruling was based on flawed science.” — Texas challenges EPA on greenhouse gases — Associated Press

“The last time two well-known El Paso Republicans competed for the one Texas House seat the party has been able to win, it was a brutal affair. This year’s contest for the Republican nomination in House District 78 between veteran campaigner Dee Margo and newcomer Jay Kleberg is a very different kind of race.” — Splitting the GOP race: Margo v. Kleberg — El Paso Inc.

“Toyota said Tuesday it plans to idle production temporarily at assembly plants in Texas and Kentucky while it grapples with massive recalls in the United States.” — Toyota to idle 2 U.S. plants amid recalls — Associated Press

“A picture tells a thousand words: Taken in 2007, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is cutting the ribbon at the brand new Women's Hospital at Renaissance outside McAllen, Texas. Everyone is smiling, and with good reason. Once the ribbon-cutting ended, the schmoozing and fundraising began.” — Texas, Pelosi and the doctor bills — CNN

“Early voting for the March primaries began this morning, and as usual, politicians were among the first in line.” — Politicians cast ballots as early voting for March primaries begins — The Dallas Morning News