The Evening Brief: Aug. 21, 2012

Culled:

•   Dems say Romney “in the tank for Big Oil” as he heads to Midland Petroleum Club to raise cash (The Dallas Morning News): "Democrats are using Mitt Romney’s fund-raising stop later today in Midland, Texas, to tie him to Big Oil and high gas prices. He’ll be in the heart of the West Texas oil patch tonight for a $50,000-per-person dinner at a private home, after a $2,500-per-head reception at the Petroleum Club. 'It’s member’s only,' says the narrator in a web video the Democratic National Committee is releasing this afternoon, 'but Romney won’t have any trouble getting in. After all, Mitt Romney’s in the tank for Big Oil, protecting billions in taxpayer subsidies for oil companies.'"

•   Todd Akin refuses to quit as pressure mounts (Politico): "Todd Akin is refusing to end his Senate bid in the face of mounting pressure from Republicans across the country — including Mitt Romney — who fear his candidacy will crush GOP hopes of returning to power in the Senate."

New in The Texas Tribune:

•   Court Sides With Texas, Overturns EPA Rule: "Siding with the state of Texas, a federal appeals court has overturned the Environmental Protection Agency’s controversial cross-state pollution rule, which was aimed at reducing power plant pollution that wafts across state boundaries."

•   Texplainer: What if Texas Schools Don’t Meet Federal Benchmarks?: "Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Texas public schools are supposed to have 100 percent passing rates in reading and math by 2014. The chances of meeting that benchmark are slim. So what happens next?"

•   Guest Column: Cruz Signals a Return to Reagan's Coalition: "A bit of advice for Ted Cruz and the other successful, conservative candidates, particularly those elected to serve in the Texas Legislature: Be prepared to govern."

•   Guest Column: Cruz Proves the Case for Hispanic Republicans: "Ted Cruz's win in the U.S. Senate primary proves Republicans have a significant opportunity to reach out to Texas Hispanics, and win them over on substance."