The Evening Brief: Aug. 13, 2013

New In the Texas Tribune:

A&M's Law School Acquisition Differs From Original Plan: The final deal on Texas A&M University’s purchase of the private Texas Wesleyan School of Law — a deal that was officially closed on Monday — is significantly different from the plan that was originally announced in June 2012.

Democrats Gear Up for Possible Davis Gubernatorial Run: Though speculation is still rampant on state Sen. Wendy Davis’ possible run for governor, some Democratic groups aren’t waiting for her call before pledging their support. 

Guadalupe River State Park Cuts Back on Water Service: Some visitors to Guadalupe River State Park could be reconsidering their travel plans after drought conditions have forced Texas Parks and Wildlife to turn off water service to the park’s three campgrounds and restrooms on most weekdays.

Inside Intelligence: About Cruz and Perry...: With the state’s junior senator touring Iowa and the governor open to conversation about another presidential run, we asked the insiders about their chances.

Dewhurst Campaign Video Features "Listening Leader": Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who is facing three GOP primary challengers in his bid for re-election, released a campaign video Tuesday highlighting his relationship with the grass roots and his skills as a listener. 

Culled: 

Texas Ups the Ante in Fight Over Voting Rights Act, Betting on An Emboldened Conservative Supreme Court (Election Law Blog): “In a nutshell, Texas argues that even if it is guilty of recent intentional discrimination on the basis of race against minority voters (a point which of course if vigorously denies), it cannot be bailed into a preclearance regime under section 3."

Ron Paul won’t back Chris Christie in 2016 (Politico):  Former Rep. Ron Paul says he is not a fan of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and won’t support him if he’s the Republican nominee in 2016.

Why Wendy Davis must run for Texas governor in 2014 (The Guardian): It’s a function of the world we live in that nearly everyone with internet access now knows the name of an otherwise obscure state senator from Fort Worth, Texas– the woman who stood for nearly 12 hours in a pair of pink Mizuno sneakers to filibuster an anti-abortion bill earlier this summer.

Herman: Hasan trial a test for all (Austin-American Statesman):  This has become more than a trial. It is a tribulation, one testing the nation that Maj. Nidal Hasan attacked when he opened fire on fellow soldiers on Nov. 5, 2009, and one Hasan continues to test during the court-martial that could lead to his death.