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.

[RikaStrom]

What in the heck are they doing?! I cannot believe that people will give them a pass on this a second time? (jumping up and down and saying bad things!!)

Dagnabbit, now I've scared the dog.

This is just unfreakingbelievable. These people aren't adults, they're children. Spoiled petulant children at that.

[Flyer]

Dagnabbit, now I've scared the dog.

Maybe some threads need a (Put the dog out alert) added to the title. Then we can jump up and down and say bad things without petrifying the pooch.

[rwfromkansas]

These folks need to be physically assaulted. If they get a broken nose, good.

I can't believe the Repubs didn't keep track of them at all times. Idiots.

[rwfromkansas]

Get your OK Highway Patrol to check every car coming in from the interstate.

[George W. Bush]

Can't Ashcroft invoke the Patriot Act on them?

[oldtimer]

If the Texas State Constitution can be used to stuff it down the rats throats, then it will happen!

rats have a proven self preservation instinct over the centuries, and our furry leftists in the Texas Senate/House will play every game they can to make sure they survive.

We just got rid of another one with the election of Bob Duell in our district. One by one!

VISUALIZE NO LIBERALS!

[Humidston]

Hey Matamoras, MX is where that American student was taken and executed by Santa Ria believers.

MAYBE THEY'LL FIND THE RATS AND DO THE SAME!!!

[Humidston]

We need an awesome "hook" to gain attention of the media and SHAME the Rats. Something REALLY catchy!

Maybe time to take this discussion to the "netherlands" so we can speak privately amongst ourselves??

FREEPERS, PUT YOUR THINKING CAPS ON!!

[solo gringo]

In 2004 most of the dummycrats will find out how the people of the Great State Of Texas Need them to do the job they were elected to do.We will put people in the Goverment that will work for TEXAS not for Daschle And Bill Clinton.GOOD BY YOU SAP SUCKERS HOPE TO NEVER SEE YOU AGAIN.

[mathluv]

Well, the more I read on this thread, it's looks like NM, not old. A different state with a diff dim gov.

[kcar]

A modest money-saving suggestion:

[GOPcapitalist]

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

Let me know when and where. I'm in town for the time being and will happily participate. Perhaps the ole Democrat HQ on La Branch would be a good place?

[oldtimer]

Realistically, it is called self preservation for the rats.

From what I have read excerpts from fellow Freepers quoting from the Texas Constitution: the furry leftists are running away, and the Congrssional Districts cannot be changed until there is a quorum period!

The State of Texas has the resources to keep the session going indefinatley , and deny the rat trial lawyers and trial lawyer interest Senators their slimey rat income. As in a forced quorum.

Meanwhile, the Republicans can be drawing the rules on when the MEETING continues with State resources, if necessary, to convey their transportation when enough of the rats decide to show their faces.

The DPS should know who their friends are in State Government, and hopefully, when ordered, would be most cooperative in rounding the bstrds up...even rat State Senators.

[Humidston]

Hi there, buddy! Rat HQ sounds good to me - since there's no way we'd ever find them anywhere else! Now we just need a catchy theme...

[itsahoot]

No. It just hasn't been done because the Republican wimps we have in Austin

They have just caught the same disease that the U.S. Senate has.
Lott, Frist no change........

[mathluv]

Our resources are not too good right now.

[Humidston]

How about your Rat buddy in Dallas? What's his name? ....Ralph Hall. Anyway, you need to chew him out next time you see him. Shame on them ALL!

[lowbridge]

bump

[Chad Fairbanks]

If someone would just 'bolt' the democrats to the house floor, you guys wouldn't have this problem ;0)

[oldtimer]

Ralph Hall is not a rat. Check his voting record, and it a helluva lot better than most Republicans.