We have some thoughtful legislative questions in this week's Mailbag, as well as yet another "behind the scenes" look about the inner workings of the Blue.

Giuliani is receiving much praise for his debate bludgeoning of Ron Paul. Giuliani attacked Paul by misrepresenting Paul's explanation that Middle Eastern attitudes toward the U.S. stem from blow-back on foreign policy decisions made in present and past years by various administrations.

The passage of the immigration bill in the U.S Senate yesterday sparked a lively debate about amnesty and citizenship. Our federal lawmakers worked for several months behind closed doors to hammer out a collective bill on undocumented immigrants in the United States. The thrust of the compromise was centered on the question, “What do we do with illegal aliens that are already living in the United States?”

Yesterday I mentioned that one Politico story on the Senate immigration compromise carried a line or two about Senator John Cornyn's distaste for details. I couldn't find much else about that at the time, and not too long afterward I saw Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison on MSNBC talking about the deal in positive terms.

For this edition of On The Record, I spoke with Mary Edwards, SDEC Committeewoman for SD 10.

According to MSNBC, Politico, and probably every other major American news source, the Senate has worked out the details of a compromise bill on immigration. The Politico story is of particular interest, in that it says Senator John Cornyn may not want to play ball.

The American people disagree with the war. The Baker Commission disagrees with the war. Retired generals disagree with the war. The British are no longer even willing to acknowledge that this is a war in the first place. Yet George W. continues to insist on putting more effort into a failed cause and sending more troops into harm's way. Is there anyone he'll listen to?

How about the Iraqi parliament?

On Monday, a Texas House committee gave preliminary approval to a proposal which would, if ratified, scrap the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills in secondary schools, leaving academic testing only for the elementary schools.

I grew up in a small Texas town, surrounded by trees, creeks, and cows. I was able to walk out of my front door and play in any number of natural settings, so it never occurred to me until recently that this was not the norm for the rest of the world as well.

Yesterday was a busy, busy day in politics, both statewide and nationally. The 2nd GOP Presidential debate was on in South Carolina, Jerry Falwell died, Keffer and Craddick drew up some battle lines for Republican House Leadership, and the Voter ID bill was blocked from debate.