Wallace Hall Drama Heats Up; New videos from Patrick, Boyuls, Christian;
5th Circuit Hears Fisher Arguments; ScotusBlog on Texas Abortion Law;
The Hill: Perry 2016 Trouble?; Cruz: Clintons ‘Fleeing Obamacare’
Wendy Davis Clarifies “Pro Life” Comment; Dallas Lt. Gov. Forum Last Night
*******
Good morning from Austin.
Here’s the brief:
WALLACE HALL DRAMA HEATS UP
AP reports:
The University of Texas System has reversed course and is now asking state lawmakers to issue subpoenas for university employees while investigating possible impeachment for a system regent.
University attorneys say they want “friendly subpoenas” issued to provide extra legal protection for those testifying before a state House committee.
The House Select Transparency in State Agency Operations Committee responded Tuesday by subpoenaing Regent Wallace Hall for Dec. 10.
But members later recalled that subpoena due to scheduling issues.
Hall has been accused of misusing his office to try and oust Austin campus President Bill Powers. He faces many allegations, including whether he abused open records laws with requests for more than 800,000 pages of documents.
The committee also subpoenaed Powers and UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa to appearDec. 18.
Related:
> Chron’s Patti Kilday Hart reports (behind paywall) that Regent Hall is accused of sharing private student information, which could be a misdemeanor.
> Meanwhile, Jeff Sandefer has an op ed in today’s Houston Chronicle making the case for reform at UT.
NEW CAMPAIGN VIDEOS: PATRICK, BOYULS, CHRISTIAN
Three new campaign videos are out:
> Lt. Gov. candidate and State Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston) released a 2nd amendment video.
> Railroad Commission candidate released an introductory video.
> Railroad Commission candidate and former State Rep. Wayne Christian (R-Center) also releasedan introductory video.
Your absolute must click stories:
> KTVT CBS Dallas-Fort Worth’s Jack Fink interviewed gubernatorial candidate and State Sen. Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth) about her recent “pro life” comments.
> The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in the affirmative action case involving UT.
> The widely read ScotusBlog reports on the state of Texas defending its abortion law.
> The Hill’s Cameron Joseph reports that Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) is having “difficulty getting traction” for 2016.
> Politico reports that U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said yesterday that the Clintons are “fleeing Obamacare.”
> DMN reports on a Republican Lt. Gov. candidate forum in Dallas last night, with criticism of the incumbent coming from all three challengers.
—
#txlege
– DMN’s editorial board calls for greater enforcement authority to prevent another tragic explosion like the one in West, TX.
2013 / 2014 / 2016:
– KERA NPR Dallas’ Shelly Kofler reports on Democratic excitement over the top of the likely statewide ticket.
– However, TT/KUT’s Ben Philpott reports on the slow pace of candidate filings from Democrats seeking statewide office.
– State Sen. Davis will attend a fundraiser in Boston Thursday.
– TM’s Paul Burka evaluates gubernatorial candidate and Attorney General Greg Abbott’s (R-TX) campaign platform.
– Democratic El Paso Mayor John Cook has filed to run for Land Commissioner.
– DMN reports on CPA and Democratic candidate Mike Collier’s entrance into the Comptroller’s race.
Other stories of interest:
– U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) has called for (behind paywall) a halt to the Affordable Care Act’s “Navigator” program. Sen. Cornyn also has an op ed for Breitbart.com on Obamacare.
Lighter clicks:
– A Fort Worth man has now won the lottery twice in 9 months.
– Jerry Seinfeld, Louis C.K. and the Gettysburg Address.
– Imagine his surprise. (Reminds me of a Chappelle Show episode)
– The NBA continues to try to fix a $300 million mistake. (An amazing story if you’ve never heard it)
– Talkers Magazine released its new Top 100 Sports Radio hosts list.
– Sorry, wrong Jonathan Martin.
– The case for Johnny Football winning a 2nd Heisman. (NBC Sports’ and national radio host Dan Patrick made a similar case yesterday on air)
– ESPN on Case McCoy’s growing road comeback resume.
Your Daily Source of Inspiration:
– Some amazing facts here.
– Rupee the dog is amazing too.
