Tinker is one thing, nothing wrong with that. It's the "targeting" I have a problem with. As JohnnyZ said, it's rude.
"As for Frost's district, while I would prefer that it be eliminated, I have to say that leaving it alone (or making it even more Democratic) is the safest course of action. Not only would it avoid a lawsuit because of minority regression, but it would help ensure that none of the other RATs in the region get reelected (other than Eddie Bernice Johnson, of course). Having 2 RAT districts in the Dallas area isn't that bad for us---the new maps create 3 such districts in the Houston area. We don't want to get too greedy in TX; remember what happended to the RATs in GA in the 1990s (and, to a lesser extent, in 2002)."
But what are all the possible scenarios as to what can be done with the seat ? I haven't seen the recent maps (or the current lines, for that matter) to see what members border him. I think our goal ought to be to draw every Caucasian 'Rat out of their seat (exempting Hall) and see if we can also similarly create some possible NON-Caucasian GOP districts. Easier done for the former, harder for the latter.
Senators have problems with House redistricting map
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, July 8, 2003
AUSTIN — Democrats and some Republicans in the Texas Senate aren't satisfied with a congressional redistricting map the House produced, meaning changes to the plan are necessary, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Tuesday.
"There are some concerns by members of the Senate on the House map that came over last night. So we're going to have to go to work on that map if we're going to see a redistricting plan come out of the Senate," Dewhurst said.
Dewhurst, a Republican who presides over the Senate, also said he wanted to be involved in the drafting of the GOP-backed House plan but he wasn't included.
The Republican-controlled House rolled over Democrats' objections and gave final approval 83-62 early Tuesday to a map that redraws the state's congressional districts in favor of Republicans.
It could send as many as 21 Texas Republicans to Congress. Right now Democrats hold a 17-15 edge in the delegation.
Among the senators who don't like the House map is Sen. Bill Ratliff, R-Mount Pleasant, who said the House proposal would hurt representation for his region.
"I cannot vote for the House map," Ratliff said. "It obliterates northeast Texas. That is the part of the state that I represent. ... Texarkana would be represented by somebody in east Dallas County."
Ratliff said if he agrees to support a modified map and votes to bring it up for debate, he would have to have assurances that it would remain intact through the rest of the legislative process, even through a House-Senate conference committee.
Senate rules require a two-thirds vote before debate is allowed in the 31-member chamber.