He may be able to stay on message politically, but Gov. Rick Perry might still have something to learn when it comes to staying on topic on the phone.
The Brief: July 2, 2010
Posted inState Government
Lone Star?
Though he gave a memorable speech, Bill White wasn’t the only candidate at the Democrats’ state convention in Corpus Christi. The question is whether he’s the only one of consequence, or if this is a legitimate statewide ticket that can return the party to power.
Posted in
Energy
Josh Fox: The TT Interview
Josh Fox’s movie “Gasland,” which premiered on HBO last week, uncovers widespread concerns about water contamination associated with a new form of natural gas drilling known as fracking. Fox talks about how devastating it felt to drive around Fort Worth (home to the Barnett Shale), how refreshing it was to come across west Texas wind farms, and how federal regulators are tightening up.
Posted in
Demographics
Border Battles
Historian David Romo calls both El Paso and Juárez home. The day after a gunfight in Juárez sent a bullet across the border — into the wall of El Paso City Hall no less — he describes how violence has changed local business in both cities, and his own life.
Posted inState Government
The Tail on the Donkey
It’s impossible to know exactly which elections will be close in November. But with Libertarian candidates in more than a dozen House races that are on the Republican and Democratic target lists, signed up for the two Texas congressional seats on the GOP’s national target list, and in the statewide races, too, here’s a question: Are the Libertarians giving Texas Democrats a electoral boost?
Posted inState Government
Perry: I Work 24/7
In the face of criticism from his opponent, Gov. Rick Perry said he works 24/7 — despite his official schedule showing he worked about seven hours a week in the first half of this year.
Posted in
State Government
TribBlog: Hegar: No PUC Revolving Door
When reports surfaced that the Public Utility Comission chair was being considered for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ top job, watchdogs questioned whether he could legally — or ethically — apply for the job. If Sunset Advisory Commission Chair Glenn Hegar’s recommendations stick, the answer will soon be no.
