Houston Redistricting Hearings (senate version)

[Gothmog]

Juanita Jean, her husband and I all attended the Senate Redistricting hearing at the University of Houston. It was fun. It is clear that these hearings are for show only and that the maps approved by Lt. Gov. Dewhurst and AG Abbott will be rubber stamped by the GOP.

Bubba aka Mr. Juanita Jean got to accuse AG Abbott of spitting on LBJ's grave.

[Melissa G]

1. Thanks for going, Gothmog!

There was a part of me that did not want to go because in spite of the hundreds of folks who testified against mid decade re redistricting, they just ignored us and rubber stamped the maps that Delay wanted anyway. I did at least have the pleasure of saying that into the record as well as quite a few other things.

I'm planning on an even more elaborate testimony next week. They may rubber stamp the maps again, but the record will at least note my very extreme objections.

I'll look forward to listening to your and Juanita Jean's and Bubba's testimony if they post a link. That woman is a firecracker!

[Gothmog]

2. Juanita Jean did not testify today

It is a high ozone day in Houston and Susan did not testify. I am suppose to bring her written testimony to the House hearing on Wednesday in that she and Bubba will be driving to San Antonio during this hearing.

I actually brought thirty copies of written testimony that I filed. I departed from my written testimony during the hearing. It was fun watching Rick Miller look at the part of the testimony dealing with his district.

The key thing is that we are making a record for a Section 2 case that will be filed after the Texas legislature rubber stamps on party lines the maps being pushed by Abbott and Dewhurst.

[Melissa G]

3. >>>>Making a record for a section 2 case.

Sad that these 'pubs are so proving the continuing need for the Voting Rights Act.

I hope Susan is doing okay with the high ozone. Thanks for carrying in her testimony. I called certain nameless senators on their inhospitable questioning of witnesses during my testimony. They were the only senators who did not have follow up questions for me.

Was there a good turnout at your hearing? Austin's showing was abysmally weak, but it was 9 am on a weekday and the first day of school being out for the summer.

[hobbit709]

4. I'd show, but I would end up telling them what I think of them in very explicit terms.

[Melissa G]

5. If you think you could keep it civil enough

to keep yourself/us out of trouble, I'd be happy to deliver your 30 copies of written testimony. House may only be 25; I need to double check.

[Gothmog]

6. Here is Juanita Jean's report

http://juanitajean.com/2013/06/08/off-to-redistricting-hearings/ . Susan did file any testimony for the senate hearing but will file written testimony for the House hearing on Wednesday

[Gothmog]

7. Here is a good report on yesterday's hearing

http://gregsopinion.com/?p=14531