Democratic nominee touts support of Obama in Texas

At least one statewide Democratic candidate is touting her support of President Barack Obama as she stumps Texas in search of votes for the November election. Linda Chavez-Thompson , who is challenging incumbent Republican David Dewhurst in the lieutenant governor's race, told an audience Wednesday that she was proud to introduce the president at an Austin fund raiser last month.
http://dallasne.ws/bO2FYM

Collected coverage of the historic health care vote from the pages (and blogs) of DMN

Obama to sign health bill, take it on the road
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is preparing to sign a transformative health care bill ushering in near-universal medical coverage for the first time in the nation's history - and then hit the road to sell it to a reluctant public.

Texas: Most uninsured, most votes against bill
WASHINGTON –The state with the most to gain from a health insurance overhaul was also the state with the most lawmakers who voted against the bill on Sunday. Twenty-one of 32 lawmakers from Texas, including 20 Republicans, voted against the measure. The opponents said the legislation was overwhelmingly unpopular in their districts, although it would offer insurance to more than half of Texas' 6 million uninsured.
Texas House Republicans deny making "baby killer" remark during health care debate
An ugly mystery remains from last night's historic health care vote: who shouted "baby killer" on the House floor at Rep. Bart Stupak? Suspicion for the outburst has been cast at the 20-member Texas Republican delegation. So far, we've contacted more than half the roster and gotten nothing but denials.
Just in -- Gillman tweets from DC: "Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, has admitted shouting "Baby Killer" on House floor last night. Says he has apologized to Rep. Bart Stupak"

"Baby Killer" shout came from Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock

Rep. Pete Sessions' balcony cameo in 'Kill the Bill'
Lots of political theater at the U.S. Capitol yesterday as the House passed the Democratic health care legislation. At one point, several Republican lawmakers walked out on the member-only balcony just off the House floor and held up letters spelling out "Kill the Bill" for a crowd gathered outside. For those without magnifying glasses, as a public service, Trailblazers has confirmed that the Ls in "Bill" were Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Dallas.

TX leaders are oh so partisan on health bill's merits
To Republican Gov. Rick Perry, it's encroaching socialism. To Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, it's a budget-buster. To Democratic lawmaker Garnet Coleman, it's about time someone fixed what state GOP leaders won't.

Abbott says Texas will challenge health bill
Less than an hour after the U.S. House passed a huge health care overhaul bill last night, Abbott said Texas and other states would go to court to challenge its constitutionality.
 
Obama, Democrats get big victory
Tonight's House vote paving the way for health insurance reform gives Barack Obama the biggest victory of his young administration.

Texas senators invite Obama to US-Mexico border and urge action in drug-war violence

Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison invited President Obama today to join them "soon" in a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border. "Such a visit would draw national attention to a national priority," they wrote, in a letter released by Cornyn's office. Gillman reports.

Obama condemns U.S. consulate killings in Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Mexican drug cartel enforcers are being blamed for the weekend gang-style slayings in Ciudad Juárez of an American Consulate office worker, her American husband and a Mexican employee of the consulate office, an outbreak of violence President Barack Obama called an outrage. Alfredo Corchado reports from Mexico.