The Evening Brief: Aug. 16, 2013

Culled

•    Wendy Davis: "Very, very seriously" looking at Texas governor bid (Los Angeles Times): "Wendy Davis, who rocketed to overnight political celebrity by temporarily blocking passage of antiabortion legislation in Texas, said Friday she was 'very, very seriously considering' an uphill run next year for governor. Speaking to an audience of about 300 female activists and donors — who cheered the mere mention of a Davis candidacy — the Democratic state senator said, 'It’s about time that we have a general election conversation' that dispels the notion of Texas as a right-wing fortress."

•    Dan Patrick engages in GIF cat warfare (San Antonio Express-News): "This morning, Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston — or perhaps an intern working on his campaign — unleashed them today in the shape of 'DewFeed,' which features photos his opponent Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst stamped with the words 'FAIL,' 'LOL' and 'NOPE.'"

New in The Texas Tribune

•    Creighton Releases First Ag Commissioner Campaign Video: "A week after launching his bid for agriculture commissioner, state Rep. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, has released his first campaign video, in which he promises to continue his 'stand against the continued overreach of the federal government.'"

•    Perry Appoints New Water Development Board: "Gov. Rick Perry has announced his appointees to the Texas Water Development Board, a key state agency that lawmakers overhauled this year."

•    Amid Growing Mental Health Concerns, Veterans Help Veterans: "The Military Veteran Peer Network's roughly 1,000 Texas veterans have overcome mental illness, or at least learned to manage it. Their mission now is to help other veterans, and the 83rd Legislature recognized the value of the volunteer network to the state’s growing veteran population."

•    Locals Chip In to Help Ease Trade at Texas Ports: "Local governments are anticipating a new program aimed at reducing wait times at the nation's ports. Under the plan, local governments will request extra staffing at border crossings and reimburse the federal government for the services."

•    Climate-Controlled Swine Buildings Dismay Advocates for Inmates: "Criminal justice advocates are objecting to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice contract that would provide cooling capabilities to units housing the agency's swine herd."