Texas Politics and Redistricting

[fklhou]

The Democrats in the Texas Senate have left for New Mexico to block the DeLay/Bush redistricting bill from passing. See http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory2/2015694 The House Democrats did a similar courageous act back in the regular session and the Senate Democrats block the redistrcting bill in the first special session. The Republicans then changed the rules to stop the democrats from filibustering and so the only choice was this trip.

In addition, since the Killer D's made their stand in Oklahoma, a state district court ruled that the Texas Department of Public Safety could not arrest any absent legislators.

Each of these special sessions are costing the state $1.7 million at a time when the state is running a $9 billion deficit. The map being proposed is so bizare that it would not survive the anticipated court challenge but this action effectively kills the redistricting again.

 

[WDWHound]

Originally posted by fklhou
The House Democrats did a similar courageous act back in the regular session and the Senate
Democrats block the redistricting bill in the first special session.

They ran away. Gee, somehow I don't see that as a courageousthing to do. By that standard, the French have the most courageous fighting force on the planet.

Substitute cowardly for "courageous" and I would agree with you. The Dems simply don't want to give up their majority in the Texas delegation, so they run away rather than face the fact that they will Lose.

The Dems gerrymandered the districts for years to keep their seats (I know someone who was involved in The process, so I know whereof I speak) and now that they are no longer in control, they cry foul at any plan that would cause them to lose seats. The majority of voters in this state vote republican, our seats in congress should represent that.

I hope Gov. Perry keeps calling these cowards back until they face the fact that they can’t just go stomping off because they are not getting their way. They were elected to do a job, not run from their responsibilities. As you said, each special session cost a ton of money, none of which would be necessary if the killer Ds would stick around and do their jobs.

 

[Steve H.]

Gotta agree with Hound on this one -- nothing "courageous" about this. Stop running and try to do something novel for politicians -- deal with it like adults.

 

[fklhou]

LOL Two people who do not appreciate the fine tradition of Texas politics. In this case, Gov. Goodhair and Toxic Tom Delay have gone beyond the bonds to redistrict including suspending the two-thirds rule in the Texas Senate. There has been one court case already ruling that breaking quorem is not a crime and the Department of Public Safety actions in attempting to arrest the Killer Ds last May was illegal.

The stupidity is Gov. Goodhair and Tom "It is okay for Republicans to Lie in Civil Depos" Delay trying to force redistrcting through when Texas is running a deficit and each of these silly special sessions cost the state $1.7 million. That is money that could be used to pay for health insurance for the people being kicked off state programs.

 

[Steve H.]

If this is the "fine tradition" of Texas politics, I'll stick to Ohio, thanks. Gee, the worst thing we have to deal with is Jerry Springer.

 

[fklhou]

I found this quote from Governor Richardson (New Mexico) to be very amusing. See http://www.statesman.com/legislature/content/coxnet/texas/legislature/0703/0728redist_update.html

The Democrats on the lam were greeted as heroes by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson....

"This is a wonderful time of the year to visit the Land of Enchantment," he said. "New Mexico has a long history of helping people on the run, and should these legislators decide to stay awhile, I will be proud to have them."

Richardson accused the Texas GOP leadership and majority of putting "undue political pressure to force these legislators to succumb to political manipulation."

The pressure has come from the highest places, including House Majority

 

[WDWHound]

Originally posted by fklhou
The stupidity is Gov. Goodhair and Tom "It is okay for Republicans to Lie in Civil Depos" Delay trying to force redistrcting through when Texas is running a deficit and each of these silly special sessions cost the state $1.7 million. That is money that could be used to pay for health insurance for the people being kicked off state programs.

And I say it again, if the Dems had stuck around and done their job, the special sessions would not be necessary. They leave, causing the issue to have to be brought up again, and yet some how its the Republican's fault. Interesting logic.

BTW: I have lived in Texas for 23 years. I understand Texas politics and I still think running away is wrong. It may be legal, but that doesn't make it right. If the men at the Alamo had done this, the guided tours offered today would only feature the back door.

 

[Steve H.]

Originally posted by fklhou
I found this quote from Governor Richardson (New Mexico) to be very amusing.

You say po-TAY-to, I say po-TAH-to, you say amusing, I say lame, immature and stupid.

I'd be real thrilled to know that one of my state senators (let alone 11 of them) decided to skip town (and be paid by my tax dollars) instead of doing your job.

What if one of your firm's lawyers (heck, even a Democrat) decided not to come to work one day without notifying anyone? Would they still have a job?

 

[Kirby]

Here we go again....... I see nothing courageous about the Democrats leaving Texas, once again, in protest.

Hmmm, when are these people up for re-election? I wonder how many will make it.......

How many other states can they run to? Arkansas, Lousiana, maybe Colorado, oh, and then there is Mexico to the south. Gee this could go on for years.....