The Midday Brief: Sept. 20, 2010

Your afternoon reading:

• "Little more than two years after she touted him for the vice presidential nomination, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi cannot count on the support of Rep. Chet Edwards." — More House Democrats stressing independence from Pelosi, Obama, The Washington Post

• "Republican congressional candidate Bill Flores claimed he 'created over 500 American jobs' in a TV ad released last month. But fact-checking group PolitiFact Texas, in partnership with the Austin American-Statesman, says the ad implies Flores personally created the jobs, thus 'overstating the achievement.'" — PolitiFact rates Flores' jobs claim 'barely true', Trail Blazers

• "For the first time in more than a decade, trial lawyers — a key source of campaign cash for Democrats — are betting big on the party's candidate for governor." — Trial lawyers heavily support Bill White for governor, The Dallas Morning News

• "Some members of local Tea Party groups rallied against state Rep. Todd Smith in this year's Republican primary. The Euless incumbent beat challenger Jeff Cason and now faces Democrat John Schleeter in November. Smith felt some of that opposition pop up again last week while at a local Republican group's event when he was asked whether he would support former state Rep. Bill Zedler's bid against state Rep. Chris Turner, D-Burleson. Smith said he wouldn't campaign against any House incumbents, regardless of party." — Tea Party members pushing Smith to change endorsement policy, PoliTex

New in The Texas Tribune:

• "Down-ballot candidates are usually the wallflowers at the political dance, sitting in the shadows while contestants for governor hog the affections and interest of voters and political financiers. This year is no exception." — Candidates in Down-Ballot Races Bid for Attention