The Brief: Patrick Says Cruz Must Endorse Trump or Get Left Behind

The Big Conversation 

On Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick warned U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz he’d be left "in the rearview mirror of the Republican Party" if he refused to endorse Donald Trump.

"You know, I stay loyal to my friends, and Ted’s a friend, but obviously I’m disappointed," said Patrick, who was recently named Trump's Texas state chairman, during a radio interview on The Laura Ingraham Show. "I’m hoping there’s still time for him to come forward, or I think he and all the other people you named will be left in the rearview mirror of the Republican Party moving forward. So I’m hoping Ted comes forward. I’m visiting with him on that issue, of course.”

Many Republicans have chastised Cruz for refusing to endorse Trump at the Republican National Convention earlier this year. Following Cruz’s speech, some Republican donors and state politicians encouraged U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, to run against Cruz in the 2018 party primary.

As the Tribune’s Bobby Blanchard reports, while Patrick initially supported Cruz in the primaries, he switched to Trump after Cruz dropped out of the presidential race. Cruz has declined to comment on Patrick’s statement.

Trib Must Reads

Texas Workers Comp System Questioned After Oklahoma Ruling, by Nicole Cobler — After an Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling struck down parts of that state's workers’ compensation law, Texas is now the only state offering companies a way to opt out of a state-run workers’ compensation system. 

Hearings Will Address Criminal Justice Reforms in Sandra Bland's Name, by Elena Mejia Lutz — Texas lawmakers will meet Tuesday to discuss the push for reforms in Texas jail standards, police training and care for mentally ill inmates in the wake of Sandra Bland's death in the Waller County Jail. 

Rice’s Band Has a History of Poking the Bear (and Other Mascots), by Bobby Blanchard — Rice University's marching band made headlines nationwide Friday by taunting Baylor over its sexual assault scandal. The attention is hardly new for the marching band, which has a history of courting controversy.

Abbott: Texas Shouldn't Emulate "No Longer Relevant" Companies Like Kodak, by Matthew Watkins — Unveiling the results of a six-month review by a task force devoted to addressing Texas' evolving workforce needs, Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday that the state needs to establish itself as a worldwide research leader.

The Day Ahead 

•    The House Committee on County Affairs meets during a morning hearing to discuss racial disparities during traffic stops within the Texas Department of Public Safety, the constitutionality of equal protection claims and concerns that arise from DPS racial disparities, de-escalation tactics, and diversion before booking.

•    The House Natural Resources' subcommittee on special water districts will meet in Fort Stockton for a morning hearing to evaluate the status of legislation to encourage joint groundwater planning, monitor ongoing legal developments concerning ownership access to groundwater and the impact of these developments on property rights and groundwater management.

Elsewhere

(Links below lead to outside websites; content might be behind paywall)

Cruz Calls for End to U.S. Refugee Program Following Multiple Terror Attacks, Free Beacon 

Texas Ethics Commission unsure if AG's Office will defend agency in future lawsuits, San Antonio Express-News 

UT-Austin police investigating bullet casings left on campus, The Dallas Morning News 

Exclusive: George H.W. Bush to vote for Hillary, Politico

Judge orders Texas to stress opportunities to vote, lawyer says, Austin American-Statesman 

Health initiative eyes improvement for veteran access to care, San Antonio Express-News

Rick Perry at the bottom again on 'Dancing with the Stars', Houston Chronicle 

Police association president to retire amid concerns over Dallas police pay and pension fund, The Dallas Morning News 

Quote to Note

"You were having fun on the farm, and it was not a total failure. You need more polish, but well done!"

— "Dancing With The Stars" judge Len Goodman, on former Gov. Rick Perry's performance Monday night

Today in TribTalk

Why I'm "Going Gold" for child cancer awareness, by Nick Etten — My son Ryan was your typical, energetic, sweet five-year-old just before his diagnosis. But 10 months ago, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Trib Events for the Calendar

•   A Conversation with Pete Gallego, Candidate for Congressional District 23 on Sept. 22 at The Austin Club 

•   The Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 23-25 at the University of Texas at Austin

•   The Washington Post's Politics & Pints with Chris Cillizza: TTF Edition on Sept. 24 at Scholz Garten

•   TribFeast: A Dinner To Support Nonprofit Journalism on Sept. 24 at the University of Texas at Austin's Etter-Harbin Alumni Center

•   A Conversation with state Reps. Four Price and John Smithee on Oct. 4 at Amarillo College in Amarillo

•   The Texas Response To Zika on Oct. 18 at BCBSTX Headquarters in Richardson

•   A Conversation with state Reps. Andrew Murr and Jason Isaac on Nov. 14 at Schreiner University in Kerrville