Texas Democrats Bolt Again

Houston Chronicle ^ | July 28, 2003 | Clay Robison

[wkcoop]

July 28, 2003, 3:08PM

Texas Democrats bolt again By CLAY ROBISON Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

AUSTIN -- An unknown number of Democratic state senators abruptly left the state Capitol this afternoon after learning that Gov. Rick Perry planned to immediately call a second special session on congressional redistricting.

One Democratic senator who asked not to be named, told the Chronicle in a phone interview that senators were apparently on their way out of town.

"I have no idea where we're going. I just know in a little bit we will be out of pocket," the senator said.

He would not say how many senators had left but called it an "adequate" number to break a quorum and keep the Senate from conducting business.

The Senate requires two-thirds, or 21 senators, to be present to conduct business, meaning the absence of 11 senators could break a quorum. There are 12 Democrats in the Senate.

The senator said the action was precipitated by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's decision to bypass a traditional Senate rule that requires a two-thirds vote to debate any bill.

That rule, which has been in effect during the current special session, has so far blocked redistricting in the Senate.

The senator said the Democrats fled because they feared Perry would immediately call a second special session and Dewhurst would lock down the Senate chambers and prevent members from leaving.

The first session was to end by midnight Tuesday, but the Senate adjourned at 2:30 p.m. and the House was expected to adjourn minutes later.

Dewhurst earlier had told reporters Perry was expected to call a second special session minutes after both houses adjourned.

Of the 12 Democratic senators, the only one to show up for a 2 p.m. session today was Ken Armbrister of Victoria.

In May, more than 50 representatives hid out for several days to block action on congressional redistricting, forcing the governor to call a special session.

[LibKill]

Cockroaches! Filthy vermin, every one of them.

[deport]

For example, could the Senate pass a rule fining any member failing to show up for a quorom?

---

Yes they could changes their rules as provided for in the Constitution or law.... but that's another day and time and won't have any bearing upon this event.

[Normal4me]

I say just change the locks on the doors, cease paychecks and every politician go work at something constructive. States have enough usless laws on the books anyways.

;-)

[Brian Allen]

Time these criminals were afforded the dignity of the consequences of their actions -- and were arrested -- as Texas Law allows.

What execrable scum! Absolutely contemptuous of every Texan -- and of the Law.

Get with it, Texas!

[Teacher317]

Bounty hunters. Nothing could be more Texan.

A lynch mob, perhaps? ;^)

[swilhelm73]

Well, my thought was to call a special session, let the Chicken D's run, then with them gone pass the rules change.

Call another special session, and start the fines.

[pogo101]

Expulsion and impeachment are two different things. But a prior poster has pointed out that the "replacement-by-the-governor-pending-trial" part of my "nuclear option" isn't even applicable to state senators, only to higher-up statewide officials ... so it's a moot point.

[EGPWS]

Texans!!! Check your State Constitution!!!

I hope it has more fortitude than the New Jersey constitution had in '02.

[jimtorr]

Eleven of 12 Senate Democrats boycotted the chamber Monday in a protest over a second special session on congressional redistricting and headed to Albuquerque, N.M., in a move reminiscent of a walkout by House Democrats over the issue in May.

One thing I've heard Texas Republicans say is that if the Dims repeat the meetings they held in Oklahoma, they could be prosecuted for violating the state open meetings law.

[pogo101]

As to point 3: The authority is inherent. The malfeasance is the Dems' dereliction of their duty by bolting the state.
As to point 4: If you're right, and it looks like you are, then my "nuclear option" isn't even an option!

[MeekOneGOP]

Get with it, Texas!

Yep ! Don't mess with Texas ! Get a rope !

[snopercod]

Motel 6 is owned by the French. That would be appropriate for these cowardly traitors.

[Brian Allen]

Jokes aside, why on Earth are these criminals being allowed to get away with this fascistic and dictatorial behavior?

In Texas and -- under the "leadership" of America's first dictator, Yasser Daschle, whose criminal gang has preempted the United States' President's Constitutional responsibility to advise on judicial appointments -- at the feral level, too.

At least in Texas your State's Law allows that this contemptable scum be arrested.

But where are Texas' Republicans' cojones?

[anymouse]

Thanks!

[mewzilla]

One Democratic senator who asked not to be named, told the Chronicle in a phone interview that senators were apparently on their way out of town.

Now there's a real profile in courage...

[Flyer]

How about a FReep? How about a full blown protest?

The mild-mannered Compassionate Curmudgeon is calling for a FReep?? YOU BET!

Okay - we need 200 or more people for a good showing. Whatcha say gang?

[MeekOneGOP]

There is an appeal in process. Some stupid liberal court found that the House rules regarding rounding up the absconders has no teeth. They said they can NOT use law enforcement to bring them back. It's a bunch of BUNK and may be in the courts for years.

It will interesting how this pans out. Again, G-r-r-r-r !! I HATE LIBERALS !!!

[concerned about politics]

Cowards. Democrats ALWAYS run from honest debate. Emotions aren't logical. They always lose.
Run you pansie girly boys. Run!

[MeekOneGOP]

And, btw, I know that THIS is Senate obstruction. The reference to the House and the courts was regarding the May obstruction by the House 'RATS (bolting to Ardmore, Okla). Just headin' replies off at the pass here...

[CyberAnt]

These dems have to be pretty sure of their seats in the legislature to pull this kind of stunt. The best way to get back of them is to start campaigns in each of their districts to get rid of them.

You may not be able to do anything except STIR UP THE PEOPLE AGAINST THEM. That alone may do the trick! Obviously, being liberal, they don't care what their constituents think - maybe they'd change their mind if they knew that people who vote for them are not happy with their actions.