[Diddle E. Squat]

The judge knows that the Dems have zero case, but he pulls a delaying tactic by trying to pass it on to the 3-judge panel.

Remember, the Dems think that if they can run out the clock a few more weeks, any redistricting plan won't be able to get Justice Dept approval in time to be used in '04.

[CA Conservative]

Remember, the Dems think that if they can run out the clock a few more weeks, any redistricting plan won't be able to get Justice Dept approval in time to be used in '04.

Ahh, but if and when the Dems return, the Republicans can vote to move the date for the congressional primaries back as far as they want, even until September 2004 if necessary. Without the 2/3 rule in effect, the Dems will be unable to stop it. So they would have to stay out until about May of 2004 for that to work.

[q_an_a]

the justice has already ruled in favor of republicans this week on other issues dealing with this. I doubt you can run out this clock.