Governor Calls 3rd Special Session (Texas Redistricting)

AP ^ | 09.09.2003

[Dubya]

Thanks for the info. I don't understand all this running hope you will keep us posted.

[MissAmericanPie]

Our bad luck that he isn't the Majority Leader. I'm liking Perry more all the time.

[Dog Gone]

Under the Texas Constitution, the Governor has the power to declare those RAT seats vacant and appoint replacements.

Not so. He might have gotten away with declaring them vacant, although I doubt it. But new elections would have to be held to fill them.

These Rats were from places like Laredo and El Paso, not exactly ideal spots to expect Republican replacements.

[mathluv]

If Whitmore and Ratliff stay, it would have to be the House.

[MeekOneGOP]

MORE than half of the Texans don't agree with their running away. They now have to come back and do what they were hired to do: Legislation. NOW, they will have to face their running as an issue in the next election, AND under a newly redistricted state ...

I love it when a plan comes together ! ...

[snopercod]

Damn. It's so good to see someone question me on this stuff.

The applicable section of the TX Constitution is Article 3, Section 13

I am not necessarily wrong. Read the law of the land.

(a) When vacancies occur in either House, the Governor, or the person exercising the power of the Governor, shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies; and should the Governor fail to issue a writ of election to fill any such vacancy within twenty days after it occurs, the returning officer of the district in which such vacancy may have happened, shall be authorized to order an election for that purpose.

(b) The legislature may provide by general law for the filling of a vacancy in the legislature without an election if only one person qualifies and declares a candidacy in an election to fill the vacancy. (Amended Nov. 6, 2001.)

So at least, the Governor should have issued writs of election.

I hate to say it, but Texans are almost as ignorant as Californians of their state constitution.

[deport]

I think Whitmire is here for the show now........ I don't think Armbrister will run as he didn't last time.... And Ratliff who knows but I'm assuming he'll stay in state. I don't remember if I've read any comments by him.

So they may try all other avenues of parlimentary procedure or the House dems may try something... But I can't see getting 51 of them out of state for an extended period of time.....

[Dubya]

Me too. I'm glad its working.

[mathluv]

You don't like Tom Delay? Or do you mean Craddick?

[mathluv]

It would help if we were less open to vote fraud. A utility bill with the address on it can be used. If the name is not in the books as being registered, they can sign an affidavit attesting to their residence. Once the vote is cast, I don't know how it could be separated from the rest.

[mathluv]

I agree with you, but I don't trust Ratliffe. It would cost the DNC a lot of money for 51 House members to leave for the month. Redistricting just needs to be the first bill up - just in case.

[Dog Gone]

I'm sure Texans in general are ignorant about their constitution, but the challenges to your statement were based on the knowledge that the governor can't appoint replacements according to the constitution.

If Perry had declared the seats vacant, it would have provoked a court battle, and I doubt we would have won it. Even if we had, special elections would be called. All this takes time, and ultimately wouldn't have accomplished anything since replacement Rats would have been elected.

Delay and obstruction was the only weapon the Rats had, and we would have been helping them accomplish that.

[Dog Gone]

I think the goal is to have a redistricting bill ready to go by Monday, and pass it in both houses in the first 15 minutes.

If it's not the goal, it should be.

[Spiro]

I don't think Hutchinson should or will run against Perry. Perry is really scoring brownie points with Republicans not only Texas but also at a national level. I imagine that if he can get redistricting done, they will flock to help him get reelected.

P.S. I'm from Texas and am more and more impressed with Perry and Dewhurst every passing day

[Redbob]

Good for you, Governor!

It's great to see a 'Pubbie with cojones.

[Redbob]

No wonder the Dallas Morning Spew is trying to egg Kay Bailey into running against Perry in the next election.

Perry's their worst nightmare - a Republican with guts!

[PeaceBeWithYou]

Nice try, but you can't cherrypick like that.

Article 3 - LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

Section 11 - RULES OF PROCEDURE; EXPULSION OF MEMBER

Each House may determine the rules of its own proceedings, punish members for disorderly conduct, and, with the consent of two-thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same offense.

The Governor can fill vacancies that arise from death, resignation, or if expeled per above. But that may be changed after this episode.

[potlatch]

Thanks for the ping. I hope things go better this time. I saw your remark about not caring for Sen, Hutchison. I wrote the same thing last night on another thread. She's just too darn BLAND for me!

[anymouse]

"50K" reward for a Rat rep.? Heck some would pay for the priveledge of 'putting a hurt' on these Rats and dragging their hides back to Austin.

[mrmeyer]

As long as the bounty states "dead or alive.."