[GOPcapitalist]

I'm not quite sure how it works - that's just the rumor I've heard. It may in fact be impossible without a constitutional amendment, or it may not. Or it could have something to do with striking a quorum requirement for the non-vote readings of the bill.

Special sessions in Texas are subject to all sorts of strange little rules that make them an entirely different ball game than the regular legislature.

[deport]

Thanks.... I was just curious if you had any info as to how they may do it. The Constitution makes no allowances for 'special session' quorums that I find.

[barkeep]

OK folks, here's the scoop. Pay no mind to the House or its hearings, including the mini-riot in Brownsville today. No, you cannot change House quorum rules in special session, but that is irrelevant. Ardmore had nothing to do with redistricting, it was smoke and mirrors to take everyone's eyes off the Senate, which is where it either will or won't be done. The House would surely have passed it in regular session, and barring a weekend surprise with another Camporee, it will in special session as well.

The rule that COULD be changed is the one in the Senate requiring a two thirds vote to bring anything to the floor. That is why Ardmore was bull, everybody knew the issue was DOA in the Senate. The Democrats have 12 Senators. They only need 11 to see to it redistricting never sees the light of day.

Two things can happen to change this: Lt. Gov Dewhurst can reneg on his pledge not to change Senate rules for the Special session (unlikely; he thinks he is saving the Republican Party from itself); or Perry can successfully bribe at least one Democrat if Sen. Lucio has his bypass surgery now, or TWO Democrats if Lucio takes a chance against his doctor's advice.

If the Dems had this totally saucered and blowed, they could present Gov with a formal letter signed by 11 Dem Senators and everybody stays home Monday as there would no longer be any point to this one issue special session. That has not been done because there is a furious amount of arm twisting and abject bribery going on. EBay ain't got nothing on this. Stay alert over the weekend, but ay least know the program. The players to watch (so far) are Lucio, Armbrister, and Madla. Republicans Wentworth and Ratliff may play minor roles in this but the real auction is going to be the three Dems I listed.