Perry vs. Ahmadinejad

With roads crumbling, schools underfunded, and border and immigration issues far from being settled to anyone's satisfaction, there are rumors Gov. Rick Perry might be calling a special session.

What's the burning topic? Investments in Iran.

The question of whether to engage or ring-fence Iran (or any other country) has always been a thorny one, especially when it comes to business contracts. Ten states, including Texas, have considered Iran divestment laws this year alone. The governor has said he'll see whether he has the power to order the Employees Retirement System and Teacher Retirement System to get rid of any investments in companies doing business in Iran. If he can't, then he might be forced to call the Lege back to get the job done.

But a special session? After the infighting that characterized the end of the last regular session, it will be interesting to see whether besieged Speaker Tom Craddick is in favor of that. There's also the question of what other legislation might crop up in a special session. Is there something more to Perry's sudden interest in international affairs, especially after his trips to Israel and the Bilderberg group meeting in Turkey? As Ed Sills, director of communications for the Texas AFL-CIO, puts it, "Does this sound like a man not interested in the vice presidency or the U.S. Senate?"