While the Texas House is putting all its energy into passing the state budget, the rest of the world is still talking about the state’s seemingly secessionist governor.

Yesterday, House Democratic Caucus Leader Jim Dunnam had a few choice words of his own on the subject. Holding a press conference outside of his Legislature office, Dunnam took Gov. Rick Perry to task for his comments during Wednesday’s Tea Party rallies. The Chronicle caught up with him to discuss whether Perry is playing with fire.

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It’s probably worth noting that, since Perry said he backed HCR 50, the state’s right’s resolution, Dunnam has filed his own resolution: HR 1383, which opposes secession of any state from “our one and indivisible union.”

This article appears in April 17 • 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.