Latino Growth in Texas Starts GOP Congressional Infight

[sonias]

Texas Observer 4/5/11
Latino Growth in Texas Starts GOP Congressional Infight

(snip)
The fundamental message is: if you want to see what America will look like tomorrow, take a look at Texas today. That goes for what’s going on behind closed doors as well. There’s a contingent of Republican politicians who believe they can still pull strings and manipulate political futures in Texas, despite the fact that the population odds are against them. This has turned into strange party in-fighting with very odd bedfellows.

(snip)
First, the lay of the land. Texas has gained four congressional seats, mainly because of the increase in Latino population. The Texas redistricting process, which is set to officially begin shortly, is by tradition a cross between a swap meet and a bull ride. Texas Rep. Joe Barton wants all of those new district’s to be drawn as Republican-majority, to bolster the 23 to 9 Republican edge in the Texas Congressional delegation. But Rep. Lamar Smith, yes that Lamar Smith, is being the voice of reason. He’s trying to negotiate (cut a deal, really) with Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar, for a bi-partisan compromise.

(snip)
Texas Governor Rick Perry has a plan of his own; he’d like to see three of the four new districts to “go Republican.” He’s thinking of by-passing the Justice Department review, as mandated by the Voting Rights Act, and going directly to Federal Court to state his case. In the end, Perry holds the trump.

If the Texas House and Senate cannot agree on outlines for the new congressional districts, Perry can convene a special session of the Legislature to do so. If no special session is called, a state or federal judge would likely draw the districts.

:popcorn:

[Melissa G]

1. No doubt, we will be sitting late into the night again watching the show.

Thanks for the post. I hope to see you at the hearing in the auditorium on Thursday. Hoping to get there early, but I have a meeting conflict at the beginning. Meeting starts at 9am. They have city officials and large interested groups testifying first. It may be a while until they get to regular folks.
:popcorn: :hi: :hug:

[sonias]

2. I'll be there for a bit but probably not through the night

I have a meeting conflict in the morning too. Won't be there until mid-day.

:hi:

[Melissa G]

3. In case folks want to come...

Message from Alfred Stanley

Dear Melissa,
Please attend this important hearing on Congressional redistricting

Thursday, April 7th, 9:00 AM – noon

House Redistricting Committee
Capitol Extension Auditorium
E1.004 (upper level of extension across from cafeteria)

Show your support for Congressman Lloyd Doggett
by wearing an Austin Together lapel sticker.
(Stickers will be passed out at hearing.)

Remember what happened in 2003? This is round one of this year's effort to keep Austin and Travis County from being (further) cut up into multiple districts and depriving us of the representation we want in Congress. You do not need to sign up and testify, but please come and show your support.

RSVP, forward to friends, and visit our facebook page to join Austin Together.



Thanks!—Alfred Stanley