Posted on 08/29/2003 1:34:10 PM PDT by Dog Gone
Texans were once again subjected to spin but no substance as the latest round in the ongoing congressional redistricting brawl ended with each side claiming victory after an inconclusive federal court hearing.
U.S. District Judge George Kazen expressed doubt about the claim made by 11 Democratic senators that the state's top Republican officeholders are violating the federal Voting Rights Act. The judge, however, also strongly suggested that Gov. Rick Perry give senators 72 hours notice before calling a third special session on the redistricting issue. Instead of taking that good advice, the governor underlined his arrogance by declaring that he would call a special session when he's good and ready.
That's statesmanship for you.
It should be fairly obvious by now that neither side has much in the way of an exit strategy, and so they continue to be entrenched in this unnecessary and wasteful partisan warfare. If you believe the Texas Poll, neither side is winning hearts and minds. Perry's poll numbers have plummeted, as has confidence in the Legislature.
This episode is classic political farce. The Republican leadership has tried three times -- once during the regular session and through two special sessions so far -- to ram a redistricting bill through the Legislature only to be thwarted each time.
It might have been easier to count votes or reach some sort of compromise with dissenting Democrats, but the governor's political style copies boxer Joe Frazier's: beat the hell out the other guy. Democrats note correctly that the Legislature had its chance to pass a redistricting bill in 2001 session, but abdicated the chore to the courts. That's exactly where this mess is going to end up after some very expensive head-knocking.
Though amusing, this farce has some very serious consequences. The damage done to both the image and the trust that the Texas Senate relies upon is incalculable. It is no small matter that the fight is causing Sen. Bill Ratliff, R-Mount Pleasant, to harbor thoughts of resigning.
A member of the Senate since 1989, Ratliff is a most respected, if not the most respected, member of senate. He is a hard and steady worker with an engineer's eye and skill for translating complex concepts into working realities.
"I'm frustrated that I'm not having an impact," Ratliff remarked Thursday, noting that he hasn't made up his mind about leaving the Senate. "I'm just on hold right now. I don't want to do anything in the heat of the moment."
We strongly urge the senator to stay. Losing his experience, insight and skill would be tragic. While it is true that no one is indispensable, Ratliff's detailed knowledge of the state's finances and operations will be invaluable if and when the Legislature can force itself to deal with school finance and other issues more vital than whether U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay picks up congressional seats.
Moreover, there is no one of Ratliff's stature to play healer once the brawl is over. He is a clear thinker at a time when there isn't enough clear thinking in the state's two top elected offices.
We're going to need Ratliff as a leader, not a casualty, when the war is finally over.
Pretty reasonable and unbiased piece, I'd say....
Where is the concern that ALL Texans have proportional representation in Congress?
Big time.
I thought so. Thanks.
It's possible, but John Whitmire, a Rat senator hiding in New Mexico, indicated this week that he's about fed up with the whole thing. Without promising it explicity, he said that as soon as the three judge panel rules on the Rats' case in a couple of weeks, he's coming back whether or not the other Rats do.
That would take care of the Senate problem. Whether 51 House Rats would then flee is a good question. Of course, you only have to catch a handful for a quorum to exist.
There is a still a lower court order against law enforcement arresting House members which is under appeal. I have no idea when to expect a ruling on that.
It's certainly not over yet, but the Rats are showing signs of tiring. I like that.
The previous statement was made the evening before after he was taken to the woodshed by the Rats in NM.
Any time a Rat opens his mouth, there's a decent chance he's lying, but I don't know why he'd tell that lie the following morning.
They were sooooooooooooo comfortable being congenial, that they bought into the Democrats' ideas of bipartisanship, i.e. you're bipartisan if you let the Democrats get their way.
I was so touched when Speaker Gephardt let Rep. Michel fondle the Speaker's Gavel during Michel's last working session. Then Michel lamented the lack of congeniality when Newt took over as Speaker.
Sen. Ratliff, please retire and enjoy your pension. There are major legislative battles to be fought over the next several sessions: tort reform, school funding, insurance reform, to name but a few. Republicans must band together to push their agenda through, because we know that the Democrats favor, for starters, trial lawyers and a state income tax.
If these past three months are any indication, the Democrats will stop at nothing to push their agenda on the citizens of this state. Therefore, RINOs like Ratliff need to step aside for those willing to engage the battle.
It is not often a politician gets a compliment like that.
According to a poll result posted in a thread on this, only 40% of Texans favor redistricting now, and 46% oppose it.
If the Judge did indeed STRONGLY suggest this then he was out of line. The issue is well within the purview of the Texas Governor and the Governor alone. To STRONGLY suggest implies to this Texas citizen that the Judge is overtly threatening Governor Perry. The Judge should issue a formal written apology or face Judicial sanction for his meritless and clearly partisan callous remark.
Talk is cheap. I'm just gonna betcha here that the pubbies cave. No different from the pubbies here in Calif who finally signed on to the budget. Want 100 more examples like this?
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