Free Republic

Redistricting feud erases spirit of bipartisanship in Legislature Associated Press AUSTIN (AP) — In late April, Republican and Demo cratic state senators seemed as though they were school children having a great time on a field trip. They took a yellow school bus to an East Austin residence where they stood behind their leader, Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, as he announced a sweeping proposal to change how the state funds its public schools. Afterward, the lawmakers lined up at an ice cream cart, joking and laughing on that hot and sweaty day. Fast forward a few months. Nearly all...

Escobar succeeds Rangel in Dist. 43 He beats Matz to keep seat in Kingsville By Quincy C. Collins Caller-Times May 7, 2003 KINGSVILLE - Democrat Juan M. Escobar, from Kingsville won Texas House District 43 in a runoff election Tuesday, replacing Irma Rangel, another Democrat from Kingsville who held the seat for more than 25 years and helped shaped Texas politics. Escobar, received 62 percent - or 5,363 votes - to Harlingen Republican James R. Matz' 37 percent - or 3,209 votes, according to complete unofficial returns. "This is about the people of District 43, not about Juan Esbocar," Escobar...