The Brief: Aug. 26, 2014

The Big Conversation

Team Perry on Monday began what it hopes to be a swift effort to nullify the felony indictments brought against the governor earlier this month.

How quickly? In their brief filed with the court, Gov. Rick Perry's attorneys wrote, “This court should not hesitate to dismiss both counts of the indictment and bar the prosecution, immediately if not sooner.”

That is not an uncommon view among conservatives. Radio talk show host Mark Davis wrote in an op-ed that, in an interview he had with Perry on Monday, he asked Perry "if he shared my view that he has but a few months for his legal team to get this indictment relegated to the ash heap of history."

Davis concluded his piece by writing that Perry needs a favorable resolution "sooner rather than later. His defiance brings a warm glow of approval today, but if this court action drags well into 2015, gleeful media reminders of an unresolved case may outweigh the goodwill earned by a fighting spirit and border heroism."

Whether Monday's filing will lead to a quick resolution is an open question, the Austin American-Statesman's Chuck Lindell wrote. Team Perry's filing, a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, is a constitutional challenge to which the other side can respond. Rulings can also be appealed, lengthening the process.

"Even with a request for expedited rulings, the appellate court process will take weeks — if not months — to play out," Lindell wrote.

The Day Ahead

•    Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis will announce a new part of her education plan at 10:30 a.m. at Palo Alto College in San Antonio.

•    The House Transportation Committee meets at 9 a.m. in the Capitol Extension to discuss spending to repair roads damaged due to increased energy extraction as well as implementation of a combined vehicle registration and inspection sticker. (agenda)

•    The House Energy Resources Committee meets at 1 p.m. in the Capitol Extension to take a closer look at the impact of increased oil and gas exploration on the state. (agenda)

•    The Senate Education Committee meets at 10 a.m. in the Capitol Extension to examine the implementation of HB 5 and to scrutinize STAAR writing scores at the elementary, middle and high school levels. (agenda)

Trib Must-Reads

For Many Texans, "Miracle" Economy Doesn't Apply, by Alex Duner, Alexa Ura and Corrie MacLaggan

Senators to Get Update on State Exam Passing Rates, by Morgan Smith

Elsewhere

Davis spends $4M in August to attack Abbott on TV, San Antonio Express-News

Perry looks to cash in on mug shot, The Hill

North Texas hit with small earthquakes too small to be felt, The Associated Press

Dallas County district attorney’s office used forfeiture funds for legal fight, The Dallas Morning News

Is Texas' capital punishment swagger slowing?, Houston Chronicle

The Compassionate Social Conservative, Texas Monthly

5 consequences of a Rick Perry indictment on Chris Christie in 2016, Newark Star-Ledger

Quote to Note

"We certainly hope that's the case. We've got a great legal team put together, and they're very smart, very bright. I put that part of it in their hands."

— Gov. Rick Perry, to radio talk show host Mark Davis on the possibility that the legal case against him could be concluded by Christmas.

Today in TribTalk

Charting a new future for the Gulf of Mexico, by Laura Huffman

Trib Events for the Calendar

•    A Conversation With UT System Regent Wallace Hall, on Sept. 4 at The Austin Club

•    A Conversation With Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa and Republican Party of Texas Chairman Steve Munisteri, on Sept. 10 at The Austin Club

•    The full program has been announced for the 2014 Texas Tribune Festival, which runs from Sept. 19-21 at the University of Texas at Austin. Featuring 10 tracks, 44 sessions and over 200 speakers, this weekend is not to be missed!

•    A Conversation With U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, on Sept. 24 at the UTSA Downtown Campus in San Antonio.