The Midday Brief: Oct. 1, 2010

Your afternoon reading:

• "Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine blasted Texas Sen. John Cornyn on Thursday for declaring that it was the Republican Party's intent to repeal Wall Street reform — as well as the new health-care law — if the GOP gains control of Congress." — DNC blasts Cornyn for pledging to repeal Wall Street reform, Texas on the Potomac

• "Officers of the Waco Tea Party announced Thursday that the group does not intend to support any specific candidates in the races for U.S. Congressional District 17 or Texas House District 56, despite recent speculation locally that the organization would issue endorsements." — Waco Tea Party declines to endorse candidates in national, state races, The Texas Independent

• "GOP Gov. Rick Perry today accused Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White of taking pension money away from a police union when White was mayor of Houston, leaving the union with debt." — Perry criticizes White’s tenure as mayor, Postcards

• "Gov. Rick Perry says he thinks he'll find a receptive audience for plans to organize a coalition of governors to defend against federal government intrusion — but he discounted the idea that he gave serious consideration to a run for the presidency himself." — Perry: Thought about prez run for '15 seconds', Texas Politics

• "As expected, District Attorney Craig Watkins did not show up Friday morning at WFAA (Channel 8) for a debate against Republican rival Danny Clancy. … Not willing to let an opportunity to fry Watkins escape, the Dallas County Republican Party had one of its volunteers prance around the station building in a chicken suit. He held a sign that read 'Chicken Craig Won't Debate!'" —  Watkins skips debate at WFAA as chicken emerges, Trail Blazers

New in The Texas Tribune:

• "State Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, says it would be 'irresponsible' not to act in the wake of the suicide of 13-year old Asher Brown, a student who committed suicide after being bullied for his size, religion and perceived sexuality." — Rep. Garnet Coleman To File Anti-Discrimination Bill

• "The latest ad from U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, features General Paul Funk, the former commander of Fort Hood, who accuses Republican Bill Flores of 'spreading outright lies.'" — Edwards Ad Accuses Flores of Spreading Lies