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Redistricting effects could be short-lived Texas may not have heard last of ousted Democrats AUSTIN (AP) — Republicans control the state's congressional delegation for the first time in modern history, but the freshly elected lawmakers might not have time to get too comfortable. In fact, they could wind up campaigning in new districts in two years, or even sooner. Redistricting shake-ups Freshman members of Congress elected Tuesday: • Louie Gohmert, Republican. • Ted Poe, Republican • Mike McCaul, Republican • Mike Conaway, Republican • Kenny Marchant, Republican • Al Green, Democrat • Henry Cuellar, Democrat Democrats ousted under new map:...

Attorney asks why Justice Department approved map associated press An attorney representing Texas congressional Democrats in a federal redistricting trial has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to explain how it arrived at its decision to uphold a Republican redistricting plan. Attorney Gerry Hebert sent a letter to the Justice Department on Saturday saying he has heard from people within the agency that Civil Rights Division lawyers investigating the Texas map had recommended it not be allowed. But he said political appointees at the department overruled them. A Justice Department spokes woman on Saturday declined to comment and could not...

Redistricting one step closer BY APRIL CASTRO Associated Press Writer AUSTIN - The family feud appears over and Texas Republicans are a step closer to having a majority in the state's congressional delegation. "The majority of the voters in the state of Texas support President George W. Bush and his policies. The majority of our congressional delegation does not, and that's just not fair," Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Thursday as Republican leaders unveiled a redistricting map that would put more Republicans in the Texas congressional delegation. It likely would put more Republicans in the Texas congressional delegation, where Democrats...