The Midday Brief: December 3, 2009

Your afternoon reading:

• “She’s going to be testing some lively issues and it looks to me like she’s not fearful of hitting foul balls.” — Radnofsky says business margins tax unconstitutional; McCown disagrees and Abbott aide says she doesn’t understand AG job — Postcards

• “A few major statewide candidates are expected to file today, namely AG Candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky and Railroad Commissioner Jeff Weems.” — Live Blog: First Filing Day in Texas! — Burnt Orange Report

• “Inside the press room, Perry signed his name on the file in front of a room of supporters and media.” — Texas governor files for re-election — KVUE

• "Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison announced she will file for a spot on the Republican ballot on Monday in Austin." — Kay, Kinky not filing today — PoliTex

• “John Cornyn clearly isn't a fan of Gov. Rick Perry's opportunistic rhetoric bashing Washington Republicans.” — Cornyn to Perry: Quit political second-guessing — Trail Blazers

• “The Republicans currently have a stable of thoroughbreds waiting to enter the starting gate.” — What Happens If Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison Does Resign? — Texas Insider

• “Sometimes it's good not to be number one.” — McAllen Gets a Break (Finally!) — La Linea

New in The Texas Tribune:

• “He admits he considered running for Congress against U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, but says he wouldn't have enough political power as a freshman Republican in Congress to have an immediate impact on the federal deficit, health care, and other problems.” — Ogden Will Seek Another Term — The Texas Tribune

• “But one of the most interesting phenomena this year is the number of so-called Tea Party Republicans entering the primaries.” — RINO Hunters — The Texas Tribune

• “Get to know Bill White, his verbal tics, the car he drives, and which issues he likes to talk about in the latest Stump Interrupted.” — Stump Interrupted: Bill White — The Texas Tribune

Here's a special Thursday treat: