The Brief: Aug. 14, 2015

The Big Conversation

Former Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday made his first comments since the news that his campaign staff was no longer getting paid, saying he's "in it to win it" and that he'll bring enough money to "keep the doors open."

Speaking to reporters in South Carolina, Perry acknowledged that "there are a lot of challenges" he's faced in fundraising but that he's confident he can turn the campaign around, as NBC News' Alexandra Jaffe reports: 

While Perry expressed optimism that he could right the ship, he acknowledged that the financial struggles were already taking a toll on his staff, some of whom he said had left instead of volunteering unpaid.

"I'm sure there have been some folks that have gone to work in some other places — but the vast majority of our staffers have stayed on board, and I'm really proud of them for of that," he said.

He also said "some good things have come from this," citing a strong online fundraising day that came after the news of the campaign's struggles went public earlier this week. But he could offer no timeline for when he expected to begin paying his staff again, and admitted he wouldn't be able to compete financially with many of the other deep-pocketed candidates in the field.

"I'm never gonna raise as much money as some of the other campaigns, but again the presidency of the United States isn't for sale. If it was, Donald Trump would just write a check and be done," he said.

National Journal looked at Perry's 2012 donors and found they've given most of their money to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz this time around, noting that Cruz has "dominated the chase for Texas dollars."

Perry, meanwhile, is heading to Iowa, where he'll hold six events next week and visit the Iowa State Fair, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Trib Must-Reads

Analysis: Democracy, Millionaires and Billionaires, by Ross Ramsey — One definition of an ideal democracy is that money doesn’t really count for much, that all citizens get a fair look at all of the candidates and that everybody who can vote gets to vote. The winner takes office. Our version isn't ideal.

Man Suspected of Capitol Car Arson Arrested in Iowa, by Patrick Svitek and Terri Langford — A man arrested in Iowa is suspected of setting fire to a car last week at the Capitol, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Thursday evening.

UT Will Relocate Jefferson Davis Statue, by Ally Mutnick — Just days after an advisory panel recommended UT-Austin relocate some or all of its statues of Confederate leaders, university President Gregory Fenves announced that the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis will soon have a new home.

Today's 31 Days, 31 Ways Story

New Law Allows Texans to Cash in on Low-Value Gift Cards, by Ally Mutnick — A new law that goes into effect Sept. 1 will allow Texans to receive a cash refund on gift cards or certificates that have a balance of less than $2.50. 

Elsewhere

Ted Cruz's southern campaign swing aims at the 'SEC primary,' Houston Chronicle

Texas House Battleground Could Hinge on Voter-ID Law in Flux, National Journal

BP Manipulated Texas Natural Gas Market in 2008, Judge Says, Wall Street Journal

UT System sues AG Ken Paxton second time over admissions-probe records, Austin American-Statesman

A Police Rookie in Texas at 49, Seeking a Niche in Life, The New York Times

Battle over Texas racetrack money is in the homestretch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Sylvester Turner touts plan to add 540 to police ranks, Houston Chronicle

S.A. Council approves Lyft program, San Antonio Express-News

Keller school board postpones action on LGBT protections, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Industry woes continue as oil falls below $43, Houston Chronicle

County election partners meet to discuss polling place fixes, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Quote to Note

"People have not been campaigning here in a meaningful way. This is an effort to set up our operations, get our teams in place, build relationships, and run a campaign. And the only way we can do that is if we're here."

— Jeff Roe, campaign manager for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, to the Houston Chronicle as Cruz campaigned in Memphis as part of his Southern bus tour

News From Home

•      The latest episode of The Ticket, a co-production of the Tribune and KUT is out. Jay Root and Ben Philpott tell you everything you wanted to know about the Iowa caucuses, but were afraid to ask. That includes a look at the state’s sense of humor and a trip to the state fair.

Trib Events for the Calendar

•      The Texas Tribune's Trivia Night on Aug. 30 in Austin 

•      A Conversation with Austin Mayor Steve Adler and San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor on Sept. 4 in Austin

•      A Conversation on The Road from Hurricane Rita on Sept. 22 in Beaumont

•      The Texas Tribune Festival on Oct. 16-18 at the University of Texas at Austin