The Austin American-Statesman's W. Gardner Selby has an evenhanded advance of this week's Senate debate over photo ID at the polls. Selby explores both what's at issue and also the political horsetrading that could take place:

It's shaping up as the 2009 Legislature's first all-out brawl.

Both major parties are lining up witnesses to speak at a Tuesday Senate hearing in which all 31 senators are meeting as a committee of the whole. It's expected to last into the wee hours or longer, even though the outcome is scarcely in doubt.

...

Possible sweeteners floated by (Republican Lt. Gov. David) Dewhurst include a two- to-four-year grace period before identification demands are enforced and a provision that taxpayers fund ID cards for citizens lacking them. (A standard Texas driver's license, good for six years, costs $24.)

If you missed it, be sure and check out Texas Watchdog's report published earlier today on the difficulty in prosecuting alleged voter fraud.