Emergency: Democracy under attack in Texas
Impeachment. The 2000 Election. The California Recall. The pattern is becoming clear: there's a group of Republicans in power who will do anything to consolidate that power, including undermining our democratic institutions. It's time to fight back. In Texas, they've been fighting back, but with the world focused on California, they've been fighting alone. They need our help, and the Democratic National Committee and MoveOn.org PAC are partnering to offer these brave Democrats support.
A partisan plan pushed by Karl Rove and Tom DeLay in the Texas legislature will redistrict from 5 to 7 Democrats out of Congress. That's right. While George W. Bush talks about reaching out to new voters, his henchmen are attempting to pull off a disenfranchisement of historic proportions. But right now, 11 Democratic State Senators are hiding across state lines -- with the Texas Governor calling for their arrest -- to prevent this illegitimate plan from being strong-armed into law. They have put their reputations and careers on the line for all of us.
A letter below from State Senator Rodney Ellis explains the situation. Please read it, and then please help us launch a hard-hitting ad campaign to fight back in Texas. Whether you donate $5 or $5,000, you will be helping to hold accountable reckless Republicans who think they can get away with anything. Please contribute to this effort now.
Act now, because time is running out. The Texas special session that was called to gerrymander the Texas congressional districts ends early next week, and the pressure is building. These courageous Democratic leaders need to see real support now, or they won't be able to hold out.
We need to fight back effectively against these attacks on democracy. Please get even more people involved by forwarding this email to everyone you think would like to help.