I'll believe it when I see it, but David Dewhurst is apparently saying that he won't be able to force HB218 through, because the Democrats are strong in their unified opposition to it. All I know is that I've got May 22, which is the last day to vote on unpassed bills, circled on my calendar. Note to Sen. Shapleigh: I know this sucks, but I think you're going to have to miss your son's graduation on Tuesday. We can't take the chance.

Meanwhile, Patricia Kilday Hart says Dewhurst's ill-advised tirade against Sen. Whitmire, which he's since disavowed and blamed on his staff, has cost him support among Republican Senators who might have been otherwise inclined to lift the two-thirds rule on HB218. It's almost enough to make you feel sorry for the guy. Almost.