The backfire:

Just some of the comments I've run across:

Austin Bureau:

Perry quickly seized on the interview, calling her comments an “insult” to Americans who lost their lives and to former President George W. Bush in his fight against terrorism.

Medina spokeswoman Nelda Skevington said Perry's campaign was using the interview in robo-calls to Republicans an hour after the show aired.

Hutchison also pounced on Medina's comments.

“I know exactly who was responsible for the horrific attacks on September 11th — Al Qaeda terrorists who declared war on America,” Hutchison said. “To suggest otherwise is an affront to the men and women who are sacrificing their lives to root out the terrorists in Afghanistan and around globe.”

Medina's remarks on Beck's show made statewide news within hours and were picked up by talk radio.

Republican Paul Bettencourt of Houston said Hutchison was in real danger of getting edged out of a runoff by Medina prior to the comments.

“That will probably clip her wings in overtaking Kay,” Bettencourt said. “She was a moon shot before this.”

Kansas City Star Editorial:

Medina tried to clarify her remarks later, saying, "I have never been involved with the 9/11 truth movement, and there is no doubt in my mind that Muslim terrorists flew planes into those buildings on 9/11."

Too late.

Beck said later of Medina, "I think I can write her off the list" of serious candidates for governor.

At least, we can hope that will happen in Texas.