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.

[Gracey]

Interesting, but 2-3 of the State senators live in the same HI Rise complex as I do. They've had the whole bunch of them, including staffers, at Senator McClelland's condo burning the midnight oil, until after 2 AM one night.

I can see them from our parking lot.

[jagrmeister]

This just proves that when times get tough, Democrats run. Can you imagine one of these cowards in the Oval Office during the war on terrorism?? Where would he run then?

[jagrmeister]

Now we know why Democrats balk when Bush stands strong with language like "Bring 'em on". Democrats sense a fight, the yellow streak down their back lights up, and they jump behind some hedges. In order to prevent Bush from scaring them, they urge him not to talk so tough. If Democrats can't stomach a redistricting fight, I'd hate to see their reaction to a threat from someone like Osama. They'd hightail it as fast as they can so remote part of the world.

[Brandon]

Maybe someone could file court papers asking that they be declared legally dead. Don't know where they are, they disappeared under mysterious circumstances, your honor, the people of their districts deserve representation, and much as we sorrow for their grieving families, we must move on and schedule special elections to replace our dear, departed colleagues.

Yeah, I know it wouldn't work, but it'd be fun to watch.

[sandpit]

Y'all let me know the time and the place. I live in Dallas and would be delighted to protest those lily-livered, yellow bellied, pink panty wearing cowards.

[Charles Henrickson]

Austin Cowards: Interstate Men of Misery
Austin Cowards: The Guys Who Gagged Me
Austin Cowards: Holed-up Members

[Rodney King]

I wonder if the Repubs can make them live out of state long enough for them to lose their Texas residency.

[Northern Yankee]

I can't believe this. They've had their way for so long, and now that they don't they wanna pick up their ball and go home? (Or to the nearest hotel?...)

I wish these people would grow up!

[Northern Yankee]

Nice picture.

I had to laugh looking at the American flag of the United States behind MacAwful.

Wasn't Bush Country all in red in that infamous look county by county of the 2000 election?

Acording to their United States logo it still is!

[Kozak]

Perry had to have anticipated this. Wonder what the reply will be?

When they are back in regular session, with NO prior announcement, the governor should send in the state police to surround the capital, lock down the house and senate chambers and tell them they are not leaving till this is decided.

[Xenalyte]

Pat Gray just had Mario Gallegos on his show, and I thought Pat was gonna pop a blood vessel. He is FURIOUS.

[Xenalyte]

I think that's a fabulous idea. Where's that building exactly - on 1092 or Highway 6, or on the 2234 side?

[NCC-1701]

This time, hold a recall and get rid of these traitors. They have no business in the Statehouse. Next election in Texas should be very interesting to watch. Walk out once was unexcusable, walk out twice, a clear derelection of duties. The people of the Lone Star State knows what to do next.

[Xenalyte]

Where's the governor and attorney general in all of this cowardice, sitting on their fingers and leaning back on their thumbs?

Governor Perry and Lt. Governor Dewhurst between them have less 'nads than I have, and I'm just a girl. They're a pair of spineless p*ssies as well.

[Xenalyte]

No word if they are staying in the Governor's mansion in Santa Fe.

They're in the Albuquerque Marriott.

[Flyer]

Where's that building exactly

I believe it's Texas Parkway, across from the fire station.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I've posted the location to the NM state board. Mariott at Paseo and I-25.

Using my state as like some sort of third-world haven for drug lords on the run! GRRRRR!

[woofie]

I speak Texan as I grew up there but not Texas Democrat (a difficult dialect) I wanted to welcome them on behalf of New Mexicans everywhere but how do I say "Bon Journo" in Dem?

[Flyer]

but how do I say "Bon Journo" in Dem?

"Get out of my state and get back to work!"

FReep thread here

[texgal]

How about - Jail?

How about IMPEACHMENT? They're not doing the job the public elected them to do. Why doesn't Rick Perry declare their seats vacant and appoint someone to those vacant seats and lets get on with the business of doing the people's business?! I'll bet they won't get nearly the amount of press for vacationing in New Mexico if they are no longer members of the legislature.