There was some hijinks under the Dome yesterday. With the possibility that Senate Bill 362, the voter ID bill, might come to House floor over the weekend, Rep. Betty Brown, R-Terrell, (she of the “you and your citizens” infamy) called a press conference on the insidious threat of voter fraud. When the press corps turned up at the speaker’s press room, Brown was stood outside and the room had been taken by the House Democratic Caucus. They were having their own press conference on (guess what?) voter ID!

Youtube video

Spoilers after the break.

After much to-ing and fro-ing, the press corps was told that Brown would be coming in straight after the Dems were finished. Then she wouldn’t. Then she would. Then she was coming in at 9.30am this morning. Then she no-showed that, with her staff telling reporters that it had never been confirmed. The reporters then headed to the legislative canteen for breakfast.

This article appears in May 15 • 2009.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.