The Evening Brief: Sept. 4, 2012

Culled:

•   The first excerpts from San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro's keynote address (Politico): "My grandmother didn't live to see us begin our lives in public service. But she probably would've thought it extraordinary that just two generations after she arrived in San Antonio, one grandson would be the mayor and the other would be on his way — the good people of San Antonio willing — to the United States Congress! My family's story isn't special. What's special is the America that makes our story possible. Ours is a nation like no other-a place where great journeys can be made in a single generation ... no matter who you are or where you come from, the path is always forward."

•   Julian Castro’s keynote could bring national spotlight (Politico): "When he steps behind the podium as the first Hispanic to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro will present himself as an embodiment of the American dream, part of a compelling family narrative that begins with an orphaned girl from Mexico."

•   The hype continues: Obama spokeswoman says Julian Castro embodies the American Dream (Houston Chronicle): "Obama campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters today that Castro’s personal story of rising from humble roots to attain an Ivy League education and public office 'reflects the president’s story and the American story — if you work hard, play by the rules, this is the land of the opportunity, you can get a fair shot and a fair shake.'"

•   Early start for Texas delegates in North Carolina (Austin American-Statesman): "There were some bleary eyes at the 7 a.m. Texas delegation breakfast this morning at the Great Wolf Lodge after a blaring fire alarm left ears ringing at 3 a.m. False alarm, it turns out. Six speakers took turns trying to fire up the crowd and do a little preaching to the choir, including a representative from NARAL Pro-Choice America, who criticized Texas Republicans for waging a war on women’s health and reproductive rights."

•    Julián Castro's Message: What San Antonio Can Teach the U.S. About Government and Growth (The Atlantic): "Mayor Castro's city is a good reminder that government has a role in supporting economic growth, but that dependence on government-protected industries carries the risk of atrophying a local economy."

New in The Texas Tribune:

•  Ahead of Keynote, Obama Camp Releases Castro Video: "Complete with childhood pictures and an interview with his mother, San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro stars in a new web video released by the Obama campaign ahead of his Tuesday night keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention."

•   Spirited Testimony at Women's Health Program Hearing: "The Texas Department of State Health Services got an earful today from lawmakers and women’s health advocates at a public meeting in Austin to discuss proposed rules for the Texas Women's Health Program."

•   Parker, Van de Putte Rev Up Delegates at DNC: "Two of Texas’ top Democratic women — Houston Mayor Annise Parker and longtime state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio — revved up an early morning crowd of state delegates on Tuesday, painting Texas Republicans as on the fringe."

•   U.S., Mexican Leaders Say the Old PRI is Gone: "The return to power of Mexico’s Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, will not be accompanied by the corruption that used to plague the party, said Arturo Sarukhan, the Mexican ambassador to the U.S., and former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson."

•   Video: Latinos Key to Turning Texas Blue, Democratic Chair Says: "At the Democratic National Convention, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa says the Latino population is the potential 'game-changer' in Democrats' hopes of switching Texas to their column."