The Brief: Aug. 30, 2011

The Big Conversation:

Gov. Rick Perry on Monday hinted at what his foreign policy as president might look like.

Addressing a Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in San Antonio, Perry — asked to speak in his capacity governor, not as a Republican presidential candidate — drew hearty applause as he outlined a forceful foreign policy doctrine for the U.S.

“We respect our allies, and we must always seek to engage them in military missions," Perry said. "At the same time, we must be willing to act when it is time to act. We cannot concede the moral authority of our nation to multilateral debating societies. And when our interests are threatened, American soldiers should be led by American commanders."

Perry, as the San Antonio Express-News reports, also noted his support for pre-emptive strikes against enemies.

“It's a dangerous world that we live in today,” he said. “As the 10th anniversary of the attacks of 9-11 approach, we must renew our commitment to taking the fight to the enemy, wherever they are, before they strike at home."

Though Perry has has recently taken steps to beef up his foreign policy credentials, including meeting last month with Bush administration officials, his comments on Monday provided the closest look yet at his foreign policy platform. Otherwise, Perry — who on the campaign trail touts his own years of service in the Air Force — has only made headlines on the subject for suggesting that members of the military don't respect President Obama.

The governor on Monday also announced a new $3 million state program to help veterans buy and build homes. 

Mitt Romney will speak at the convention today. The former Massachusetts governor's visit to Texas will likely highlight the mounting tension between him and Perry, who are vying for front-runner status in the Republican field.

Culled:

• The Houston Chronicle, looking back at the 2006 campaign donation that got Gov. Rick Perry's re-election campaign and the Republican Governors Association in trouble, reports that phone records show a possible connection between the RGA and Perry's biggest individual donor, Houston homebuilder Bob Perry.

• The New York Times reported Monday that Texas A&M appears likely to officially withdraw from the Big 12 today. The Aggies, set to join the Southeastern Conference in 2012, have reportedly been looking to leave the Big 12 over, in part, dissatisfaction with the Longhorn Network, the joint University of Texas/ESPN cable channel.

• With Texas' unemployment rate now at its highest level in 20 years, job seekers will have fewer places at which to seek help as budget cuts hit unemployment services. The Houston area, for instance, has been forced to close four of its 29 job-service offices because of cuts, the Houston Chronicle reports.

“Even though we had that little debate about the coverage and all, we really get a lot of coverage. I actually have never complained about it.” — U.S. Rep. Ron Paul to The Des Moines Register

Must-Read:

• Dallas to use cameras to locate those who owe the city money, The Dallas Morning News
• Religious groups weigh in on domestic partner benefits idea, San Antonio Express-News
• Warren Jeffs in medically induced coma, The Associated Press
• Drought Scrambles Water Utilities' Finances, The Texas Tribune