The Brief: April 30, 2010

THE BIG CONVERSATION:

This much we know for sure: the next Texas governor will not be backing Arizona-like immigration laws.

Thursday evening, Gov. Rick Perry expressed doubts about the immigration enforcement law and said taking a similar step is not for Texas — and Texas doesn’t want it, anyway. 

Here’s an excerpt from his release:

“Securing our border is a federal responsibility, but it is a Texas problem, and it must be addressed before comprehensive immigration reform is discussed.
 
Recently, there has been much debate over immigration policy in Washington and what has been implemented in Arizona. I fully recognize and support a state’s right and obligation to protect its citizens, but I have concerns with portions of the law passed in Arizona and believe it would not be the right direction for Texas.

A lack of enthusiasm for Arizona's law is something that the two gubernatorial candidates agree on.  Yesterday in Lubbock, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White mocked the law.

“'How many of you have your passports or birth certificates with you?” He asked the crowd.  When no one raised their hand, he gasped, 'Oh my gosh, you're all suspects!'

This comes amid other backlash against the state. The City of Austin will formally consider limiting travel to Arizona and terminating any business contracts currently in place with the state.  El Paso County officials are considering similar measures.

Of course, others are in full support of Arizona and think Texas should follow suit. State Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Houston, and state Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, have both pledged to file similar bills in the 2011 session.

In the meantime, if Perry and White just aren’t enough, you can read the thoughts of other statewide candidates here.

CULLED:

• Birds of a feather don’t always flock together. This morning, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White will appear with and announce the endorsement of Grand Prairie Mayor Charles England — a Republican.  Yesterday, Plainview Mayor John C. Anderson endorsed him, calling him “a man of basic integrity.”  Plainview went strongly for McCain in 2008.

• Calling all carbon enthusiasts (and others)! The House Energy Resources committee, chaired by state Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, will be taking a look at carbon capture and storage in a hearing at the Capitol this morning.

"I feel like a mom planning a family budget. We're going to make sure we still have plenty of healthy vegetables, but we might have to cut back on dessert for a while." — Houston Mayor Annise Parker on tightening the city’s belt, as told to Time, which named her one of the 100 most influential people.

MUST READ:

• Winning over GOP is Bill White's grand old plan in Texas governor's race — The Dallas Morning News

• Sen. Hutchison third in earmarked spending — San Antonio Express-News

•The Case of the Missing Prosecutors — The Texas Tribune

• Comptroller officials grilled about appliance rebate fiasco — Austin American-Statesman