The Evening Brief: April 24, 2012

New in The Texas Tribune:

• Poll of Texas Shows Romney Ahead of GOP Rivals, Obama: "It wasn’t that long ago when the Texas primary seemed to be a long shot for Mitt Romney. But with the former Massachusetts governor now firmly in control of the Republican presidential race, a new poll shows him out front in Texas. According to a survey released today by Public Policy Polling, Romney is garnering the support of 45 percent of Texas Republican voters. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich follows with 35 percent, and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Lake Jackson received 14 percent. … Romney's lead became smaller when those surveyed were asked about a GOP ticket with Gov. Rick Perry as the vice presidential candidate. Romney's lead over Obama was then 50 percent-45 percent."

• Amazon, Comptroller Negotiating Sales Tax Deal: "Amazon.com and the state are working on a deal to get the online retailer to pay sales tax and create jobs in Texas, reviving talks that fell apart at the end of last year's legislative session."

• Report: As Med School Enrollment Grows, Residency Slots Lag: "Texas medical schools have increased their enrollment by roughly 30 percent in the last decade to help meet the state's demand for doctors. But the number of medical residency positions available in Texas is not keeping pace."

• National Group Calls on UT System to Freeze Tuition: "A Florida-based nonprofit is calling on public universities to freeze tuition — and they are kicking off a campaign by focusing on the University of Texas System."

Culled:

• Condoleezza Rice: Running for politics isn't "on my horizon" (The Dallas Morning News): "Anyone who thinks Mitt Romney might struggle to attract female and minority voters, and who thinks Condoleezza Rice is the answer, is out of luck. She's not interested in the job of vice president. The former secretary of state and current Stanford University professor told attendees to an oil and gas conference she's not a politician. 'I love policy. I don't love politics. Running for politics has never been on my horizon. And I had to deal with Vladimir Putin and the Russians once. That's enough,' she said at the DUG Conference in Fort Worth on Tuesday."

• Perry to endorse Kelly Hancock in Tarrant County statehouse primary (The Dallas Morning News): "Gov. Rick Perry is jumping into intramural contests with his endorsement of Kelly Hancock in the Senate District 9 race in Tarrant County. Perry will be appearing publicly to throw his support to Hancock at 5:45 pm at the Big Barn BBQ in North Richland Hills. Both Hancock and his opponent Todd Smith are currently GOP state representatives looking to replace longtime Senate veteran Chris Harris, who is retiring."