The Midday Brief: Nov. 22, 2010

Your afternoon reading:

• "The chairman of an internal investigating committee meeting Tuesday to discuss allegations of intimidation and retribution by House Speaker Joe Straus received campaign donations totaling $42,000 from Straus and a political action committee he helped found." — Rep. Chuck Hopson, who chairs ethics panel investigating allegations against Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, received $42K this year from Straus, Texas Watchdog

• "No corporate money came to state legislative candidates in Texas in 2002 and because of that, former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay should be acquitted of felony money-laundering and conspiracy charges, his attorney said in closing arguments this morning." — DeLay attorney: No crime was committed, Postcards

• "At its December meeting, the State Board of Education made recommendations to the Legislature concerning the issues it regards as a priority for the next legislative session." — Parting shot: SBOE conservatives take aim at Ratliff, BurkaBlog

• "Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., is Joe Barton's main rival for the chairmanship. During an appearance on Platts Energy Week over the weekend, Upton said Barton would not get the waiver." — Barton won't get waiver to chair Energy & Commerce, rival says, Trail Blazers

New in The Texas Tribune:

• "State finance people are not kicking out much information, but insiders think the budget shortfall next year will be in excess of $15 billion. Two-thirds of them think it'll be more than $20 billion." — Insiders on How the Budget Will Be Balanced