The Brief: May 20, 2014

The Big Conversation

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst seemed of two minds on Monday in his statements on former rival Jerry Patterson's decision to give media outlets court documents detailing his runoff opponent Dan Patrick's treatment in the 1980s for depression.

On the one hand, he continued to distance himself from Patterson's action, saying that he told Patterson two weeks ago that he was uncomfortable about releasing the documents. The San Antonio Express-News' David Saleh Rauf and Lauren McGaughy reported that Dewhurst told Patterson that “whatever you do could have some reflection on me. ... I don't want anything to do with it.”

Dewhurst said he cautioned Patterson against releasing anything unless it is relevant to Patrick's ability to lead today. "I'm appalled that [Patterson] didn't take the time to read them and study them and find out what documents if any were relevant to today.”

But Dewhurst wasn't saying on Monday that voters should disregard the information on Patrick, either. The Tribune's Morgan Smith quoted Dewhurst as saying, "If this speaks to the character and the capacity to govern and lead of Dan Patrick, then I think it should be on the voters' minds. ... If it doesn’t, then it shouldn’t."

And The Dallas Morning News' Bob Garrett and Terrence Stutz noted that Dewhurst was still referring to examples of what the incumbent thought was erratic behavior by Patrick. “People are scared of Patrick. ... I am worried about the stress he will be under and whether he can handle it.”

The Day Ahead

•    The GOP candidates for lieutenant governor — David Dewhurst and Dan Patrick — meet for the final debate before the May 27 runoff election at 7 p.m. in Salado. We will livestream the encounter.

•    Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Leticia Van de Putte is in Fort Worth for an evening reception hosted by Texas Latina List and the Tarrant County Democratic Party.

Today in the Trib

Vela Urges U.S. Support for Mexican Security Plan: "As Mexico plans to deploy federal forces to a border state to quell a rash of violence there, U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela says a U.S. endorsement will help the strategy succeed. But analysts have some serious concerns about the strategy."

Texas Road Funding Woes Nab the Spotlight: "Funding for transportation could draw an unusual amount of attention in coming months as federal highway dollars threaten to dry up and Texans prepare to vote in November on a measure to increase road funds."

Texas Gets Poor Marks on Pedestrian Safety: "Houston is the seventh most dangerous city in the nation for people on foot, according to a new report. Texas ranked as the 10th most dangerous state for walking commuters, with nearly 4,200 pedestrian deaths between 2003 and 2012."

Analysis: Politics as Limbo — How Low Can It Go?: "The nasty tone of the GOP lieutenant governor's race is not new in Texas politics — just think back to when Jim Mattox and Ann Richards faced off in the 1990 Democratic runoff for governor."

Must-Read

Patterson tries, fails to trip Patrick on mental health and guns, The Dallas Morning News

Herman: Dan Patrick and David Dewhurst throw mud, sleaze in primary, Austin American-Statesman

Watchdog: Julián Castro’s San Antonio misused HUD money, Politico

Hall declines calls from board chairman to resign, Houston Chronicle

Robert Duncan named sole finalist for Texas Tech chancellor, The Associated Press

State District 76 race between Blanco, Chávez among top primary runoff contests, El Paso Times

Millionaire congressional candidates flex muscle in Texas runoffs, Houston Chronicle

Quote to Note

"No one in Texas knows these two men up close and personal as I do. That’s why Cynthia and I unequivocally support David Dewhurst for re-election."

— Former state Sen. Mike Richards, who worked in radio with Dan Patrick and served on an advisory board to David Dewhurst's energy company, on choosing to support Dewhurst for re-election

Today in TribTalk

Why me and not David Alameel, by Kesha Rogers: "My campaign for U.S. Senate as a LaRouche Democrat provides an opportunity for Texas to lead the nation in restoring the rule of the Constitution. We must pick up where President John F. Kennedy left off, and go much further."

Why me and not Kesha Rogers, by David Alameel: "Democrats have an easy choice in the May 27 runoff for U.S. Senate. After the runoff, however, the real battle begins — against Republican Sen. John Cornyn, and for true reform."

Medical records aren't political toys, by Austin King: "As much as any of us might be interested in the health care travails of entertainers, politicians or business moguls, their right to privacy trumps our voyeuristic desire."

Trib Events for the Calendar

•    A Conversation With Sen. Glenn Hegar, Candidate for State Comptroller, at the Austin Club, 5/29

•    The Texas Tribune Festival runs from Sept. 19-21 at the University of Texas at Austin. Tickets are on sale now.