The Midday Brief: Oct. 20, 2010

Your afternoon reading:

• "Responding to complaints that poll watchers were intimidating voters in predominantly minority polling locations, County Attorney Vince Ryan summoned the county chairmen of both major parties to his office Tuesday and reminded them of their responsibility to make sure the observers were obeying the law." — Harris County warns parties to watch the poll-watchers, Houston Chronicle

• "Heads of firms highlighted in a whistleblower’s memo have contributed more than $700,000 to Gov. Rick Perry’s campaign fund over the years, according to Texas Ethics Commission reports." — Heads of firms highlighted in TRS memo have given more than $700K to Gov. Perry, The Texas Independent

• "Rep. Chet Edwards may be facing a tough political climate this November, but he sure isn't short on money. Newly released Federal Election Committee disclosure statements show the incumbent Democrat with a huge cash advantage over his Republican rival, Bill Flores." — Chet Edwards has big cash edge over challenger, Texas on the Potomac

New in The Texas Tribune:

• "In his first ad of the election cycle, the Democratic Railroad Commissioner candidate emphasizes his competence — and his newspaper endorsements." — Jeff Weems Releases First Campaign Ad