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.
Griffin Perry
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.
TribBlog: Flag Flop [Updated]
When former Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. died Sunday after a long illness, Gov. Rick Perry reached out to the U.S. government, asking for flags to be flown at half-mast at federal buildings in Texas. The response, Perry’s office says, was a resounding no.
Air Splitting
The battle over Texas’ environmental regulations came to a head as the Environmental Protection Agency shot down the state’s air-pollution permitting regime for large plants. It’s the latest episode in a larger cultural and political fracas pitting Texas against Washington — and business against government — that continues to take center stage in the race for governor.
The Brief: June 30, 2010
Tension — as if it wasn’t already thick — is mounting between Gov. Rick Perry and Bill White.
EPA to TCEQ: Step Off
The Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t think Texas is doing enough to keep its air clean, so today the agency is expected to tell the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that the feds will take over air quality permitting for about 39 plants. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports.
Last Call
Tonight is the legally imposed reporting deadline for the next round of campaign finance reports, which is big deal for two reasons: Candidates want to show momentum and credibility at mid-year, and they love having an excuse to ask supporters to pony up before the clock strikes midnight. Hurry, hurry, hurry!
The Brief: June 29, 2010
With the parties over, it’s back to business for the squabblers.
A Slippery Slope
The fallout over the BP oil leak has Texas Democrats at odds over deep sea drilling: Environmentalists have called for a permanent ban, but the party’s candidate for governor, Bill White, opposes the idea. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune has this report.
Katherine Youngblood Glass: The TT Interview
The Libertarian Party’s gubernatorial candidate talked to the Tribune on Friday about why more Texans should be armed, why same-sex unions should be allowed and her admittedly slim chances of dethroning Gov. Rick Perry.




