The Midday Brief: Aug. 13, 2010

Your afternoon reading:

"East Texas Republican Louie Gohmert went on with Anderson last night to reassert the claim in an exchange that made up in volume what it lacked in evidence. Gohmert could provide no proof of an organized cabal to create 'terror babies.' Instead, he just yelled at the host. Texas, our Texas." — East Texan Louie Gohmert lacks evidence of "terror babies" so he just yells at Anderson Cooper, Trail Blazers

"State Rep. Debbie Riddle, the Tomball Republican whose CNN comments about terror tykes went viral the last couple of days, has a District 150 opponent this fall — the same fellow she swamped two years ago, 64.3 percent to 33.5 percent. His name is Brad Neal, and he just issued a press release in response to his opponent's newly acquired nationwide notoriety. The response is, shall we say, a bit allusive." — Riddle's opponent speaks up, Texas Politics

"Nearly 1,500 additional federal law enforcement personnel — including 1,000 additional U.S. Border Patrol agents — will soon be heading to the U.S.-Mexico border and the border with Canada to augment border security efforts thanks to $600 million in additional federal spending signed into law by President Obama on Friday." — Obama boosts border security spending by $600 million, Texas on the Potomac

"Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, a two-time presidential contender, could wreak havoc for Republicans if he decides to make a third-party or independent bid for president in 2012." — Ron Paul could play spoiler in 2012 race, The Hill

New in The Texas Tribune:

"In today's must-watch video, the Texas congressman who first brought up the 'terror baby' claims on the U.S. House floor isn't taking too kindly to being challenged about it." — Gohmert Debates "Terror Babies" on CNN

"Jason Isaac, the Republican running against state Rep. Patrick Rose, D-Dripping Springs, says the incumbent is misusing his campaign accounts to cover personal transportation costs. Rose says it's a big district and points out that Isaac's campaign pays for gas, too." — Isaac Says Rose Uses Campaign to Gas His Truck