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Subscribe to RSSTexas is all but certain to have an even later say in choosing the Republican presidential nominee after what at first looked like a breakthrough deal in a bitter dispute over redistricting maps ended with wide rejection of the proposal.
That left the date of the Texas primaries in limbo Tuesday, a day after a court-imposed deadline for the state and minority advocacy groups to compromise came and went without temporary maps that everyone could agree on for the 2012 elections.
A San Antonio federal court had told both sides to reach a deal by Monday or see the April 3 primary date pushed back a second time. The Texas attorney general's office appeared to hit the deadline by announcing an agreement with some of the groups, but that was soon overshadowed by other prominent black and Hispanic organizations blasting the deal.
The court also appeared to reject the partial deal, as U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia urged talks to continue toward "a general agreement between all" parties.
Related: Messy caucuses in Nevada, Iowa raise questions
Now the date of the Texas primaries is in doubt again.
Republicans feared that another delay could prevent Texas voters from helping decide which GOP candidate challenges President Barack Obama in November. Republican and Democratic party leaders have said an April 17 vote may be possible absent a deal if the court could quickly draw revised maps.
The advocacy groups are suing the state, alleging that the Republican-controlled Legislature ignored the state's burgeoning Hispanic population when it redrew boundaries for congressional and state legislative districts.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott had optimistically introduced the partially agreed plan earlier Monday. It had the backing of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, one of the largest groups that sued the state.
Under the proposal, Hispanics would control two of four new congressional seats that Texas was awarded following the 2010 census, which reflected the state's population boom in the last decade. But apart from MALDEF and Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, most others involved in the lawsuit said the proposal fell far short of a fair compromise.
Luis Vera, an attorney for the League of United Latin American Citizens, scoffed at the new deal and accused the state of overselling the number of plaintiffs that signed off on it. Late Monday, his group and six of the other nine plaintiffs filed court briefs formally opposing the plan.
Vera said talks had halted, adding: "There's no agreement, and there's nothing to talk about."
In a written statement late Monday, Abbott didn't acknowledge the judge's order but said his office "has worked with a wide range of interest groups to incorporate reasonable requests from all parties" without compromising the will of the Texas Legislature. He has said a primary likely couldn't be organized before April 17.
When asked earlier Monday if he was happy with the proposed compromise, Abbott said "it's a step in the right direction." He said failure to reach a consensus wasn't for a lack of trying.
MALDEF attorney Nina Perales said the maps put forward by Abbott came very close to what her organization requested. She said that in addition to creating two new Hispanic-dominated congressional districts, the plan also created two Hispanic-majority districts in the Texas House and restored two Hispanic districts in the Rio Grande Valley and Nueces County.
"Although they are not perfect, the plans that have been released by the state today ... more fairly reflect the growing strength of Latino voters in Texas," Perales said. "They properly recognize that protecting voting rights is more important than partisanship or incumbency protection."
But most of the groups suing the state said the deal was no compromise. The Mexican American Legislative Caucus argued that the new plan actually dilutes minority influence in some areas. Its chairman, Democratic state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, said the two Hispanic congressional seats would come on the condition of losing ground in other districts currently dominated by Hispanic voters.
"If you tell me we're going to get these seats at the expense of another district, that's not a win," he said.
In Washington, another federal court is weighing a separate case challenging whether maps drawn by the Texas Legislature were legal. Since Texas is one of nine states with a history of racial discrimination, the Washington court or the U.S. Department of Justice must pre-approve any changes to state election laws. A ruling in that case isn't expected for at least another month.
The stakes are unusually high because the nation's second-largest state is adding four congressional seats — and the way they are divvyed up could be pivotal in determining which party controls the U.S. House.
The Texas Legislature got the first crack at drawing new maps for Congress and the Statehouse, but their plan was quickly challenged by Cuellar and minority groups.
If the court rejects the compromise, the judges could split the primaries into two elections — one for the presidential race, and a later one for state and congressional elections that are at the mercy of where map lines are settled.
A split primary would let parties hold their conventions on schedule — but could cost taxpayers $15 million.
Republican legislative leaders argued that they drew the original maps merely to benefit their party's candidates, but minority groups claim they discriminate by diluting the voting power of blacks and Hispanics. All states must redraw political districts following the census every 10 years to adjust for population changes.
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You know what would be great? If Texas did secede from the United States. Then we would be spared their brain-dead Presidential candidates, their anti-science school agendas, and every other backwards thing that comes out of that state.
It's kinda like South Carolina, only bigger. I like living here, but the republicans are unbearable. It's amazing that a state with such a large contingent of blacks and hispanics can continue to be so republican. All they have to do is get out and vote, and can change everything.
It's amazing that a state with such a large contingent of blacks and hispanics can continue to be so republican. All they have to do is get out and vote, and can change everything.
i hope they do change everything!
. . . and since Texas has lots of federal agencies residing in their state, we can have them all move out, build a fence around Texas so no one jumps into the U.S.A. and watch Mexico defeat it again like they did during the Alamo episode. Remember that Texans? When the feds had to save your a$%! Since it has become a polluted wasteland I doubt we will come to your rescue this time. Hasta La Vista baby!
Then Perry can be king, like he always wanted.
LOL An Aggie King! The mental picture speaks for itself.
Isn't this one in the same? The Republican party isn't the party of minorities. If they drew the original maps merely to benefit their party's candidates, then they could only do that by diluting the voting power of minorities.
This is also known as gerrymandering. It is quite disgusting that the Texas Republican party admits that they are intentionally gerrymandering the districts. I'm sure the same is done by Democrats in states that that they control. Both of which are wrong.
That is why approximately 100 of the 535 seats in the House are competitive each season, while the other 435 don't have competitive elections. Incumbents only need to worry about winning their primary, therefore they are no accountable to their constituents.
Instead of wasting all this time trying to draw districts, there should be a constitutional amendment to create term limits and to move to proportionate representation. Drawing districts with first across the line voting only encourages a two party system. Proportionate representation encourages many parties. Most Americans are sick of the two parties.
chartweb where I live 80% of the people are hispanic and there is still a viable republican party. I guess they aren't as bound to the democrats as you think. In fact the republican party has been growing. Maybe Texans aren't as duped by promises of pie in the sky as you think.
anabanana forgot about San Jacinto We lost a battle but won the war and Mexico signed over rights to Texas in perpetuity. Then of course there are the new additions to the DPS swift shallowdraft fully armored boats with mounts for 4 forty cal machine guns for river patrol. We were independent for 10 years before joining you. You can leave we'll be OK.
AnaBanana-1782128
Mexico won the Battle of the Alamo and lost the war at the Battle of San Jacinto. Mexico has never won a war against anyone, not even against their own internal drug lords.
The real reason for the delay is because there was supposed to be a new Republican/Tea Party candidate competing in the Texas GOP primary, his name is Adolph Hitler the third. It seems he wasn’t “conservative” enough or “mean spirited enough” for Texas GOP voters so his name is being removed from the ballet……Zig Hail Texas, let the real world know how it works out between you all and your new form of government.....FASCISM. I know the truth hurts doesn't it.
Sure do. It took thirteen days for 2,000 Mexicans to defeat the handful of Alamo defenders ~ and just a few hours for the Texas army to kick the ass of General Santa Anna and the entire Mexican army at San Jacinto. And no one came to our rescue ~ certainly no federal help. We won our independence by ourselves and when Texas joined the union, it came in as an independent Republic ~ the only state to do so. But anytime you hillbillies, ridge runners, or yankees want to rumble, just come on down. We'll be happy to show you how its done.
lonereb... i'm with you on that...if you didn't get it i meant i hope they do make a big change..as in change of what we now have for pres
lonereb- exactly we did kick mexico and still proud of it.
annabanana- since when have the feds ever rescued us? trust me we'd rather fight you and the feds off than be rescued by you!
remember DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS
JIM IN TEXAS...thanks for making me smile..loved it
big al vegas- that's ok i still love vegas either way. peace
Nah Jim it only took Sam Houston 21 minutes to win the battle of San Jacinto. anabanana needs to watch better Alamo movies BatJac's version is so off they say the Alamo is on the Rio Grande. I suggest the Billy Bob version not quite as long as 13 days of glory.
It's amazing that a state with such a large contingent of blacks and hispanics can continue to be so republican. All they have to do is get out and vote, and can change everything
Not really. Texas has one of the better unemployment rates among minorities
http://www.dol.gov/_sec/media/reports/blacklaborforce/
Minorities want jobs, not hand outs. If they want handouts - it is no different than white people (I know lots white people who do this) they vote democrat.
I am a registered voter in Texas, I vote yes to secession. I have no ill will toward the rest of the country, I just want out of it. I am sure you will do just fine without us, we can send you ft. hood and nasa. :)
Jim in Texas... I'll be proud to join you!
"Texas, it's like a whole nother country!", wasn't that their slogan? It's kind of like that commercial was rubbing the whole secession thing in our face, but to me the threat is without teeth because I truly wish they would have seceded long ago then Saint Shrub would NOT have been able to run for president subsequently destroying our economy while at the same time making the entire world hate us.
I would love to see Texas secede from the US. First off it would raise the average IQ level of US citizens by at least 20 points but the best thing about i it would be having Texas sandwiched between two countries that Texans hate, Mexico and the US. We would put an electrified fence along the whole border and put a huge naval presence in the Gulf to keep out Texas Boat people. They can have their Texas Board of Education fairytale history books and President Joel Olsteen can preach his gospel of greed all day long from his 10,000 seat mega-church.
We did we never rescinded the secession order. You invaded us and put us under martial law. And Texans get along fine with Mexico. Come on down for Charro Days this month.
You would enjoy seeing this country's economic activity come to a screeching hault? That is exactly what would happen if Texas seceded.....all those refineries that supply the majority of the country with going away in a one fail swoop.
Please don't be an idiot.
You would enjoy seeing this country's economic activity come to a screeching halt? That is exactly what would happen if Texas seceded.....all those refineries that supply the majority of the country with going away in a one fail swoop.
What planet did that come from? Absent of federal leg irons and taxes, they would expand all manufacturing and then the fed would be begging to borrow from them too.
Be careful what you wish for dp. Regrettably, much of what is posted here has a grain of truth, but a lot has been left out...Texas is a high-tech mecca and home to some of the largest technology companies in the world. Austin is also home to many but also hosts a lot of the environmental innovation as well as a leading music and film industry. Texas is a huge exporter of refined products and electricity that the entire nation benefits from. Texas is home to a large contingent of active duty and retired military a center for much of the cyber-warfare research going on today. Texas is an exporter of cotton and other agriculture. I could go on. I regret that Texas has become so conservative and religious (it is not the place I grew up in), and am disappointed by the political goobers this state has produced recently, but judging a whole state by the actions of a few says more about your intelligence than ours. And as I said, be careful what you wish for. By the way, Texans don't hate "Mexicans." Latino Americans are part of what makes Texas culture so unique.
Shush your mouth, let them damn yankees think what they want, we need off of this titannic, there never was enough life boats. Vote for secession.
sanity- i don't know where you grew up but god has always been alive and well here and respected. as you can see GOD BLESSED TEXAS. Why would you ever regret that.
deprogrammer... if the IQ is so low in Texas why do they have more higher education facilities than any other state? Why is it the medical capital of the world? Why is it the energy capital of the nation? Ah yes, I love how people like you love to blabber!
Why is texas anymore important in choosing a nominee than any other state? They are not (probably the worst mistake my Tennessee ancestors ever made), agree with tom8896 let them succeed, we don't really need them, no way I'd ever travel there for business or pleasure, not going to spend my money with any state who is so disrespectful to their own best assets (Janis Joplin, Kris Kristofferson, the Winter's Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, just to name a few). Not surprised they can't redistrict fairly, they don't do many things fairly in Texas - want my vacation dollars Texas - well" Try, just a little bit harder! (Janis Joplin, Try)
I get it, you don't like Texas (even though you have, apparently, never been here) but just how do you get that we have been disrespectful of all the musicians you listed (not to mention the large group of other great Texas muscians you left out - Lyle Lovett, Buddy Holly, Joe Ely, etc.).
I live in Austin. We have a statute of SRV at Town Lake. We're the home of Austin City Limits.
If you don't like Texas, fine. But you should at least pick a valid reason. But then that might be hard, since you obviously no nothing about the state.
dsb, I think very few people have a problem with the chunk of land currently called "Texas", nor do we have a problem with 95% of the people from Texas. I've been to Texas many times and even own some land there, but what most people outside of Texas DON'T like is talk of secession by Texas politicians every time they don't get their way and then five minutes later they question everyone elses patriotism.
Well, Buddy Holly and the Dixie Chicks had to get out of Texas or be lynched. Far as I know they've kept Lyle Lovett and Joe Ely. And Rick Perry.
Not a great recommendation.
Real, they had to get out of Lubbock. As for a whole 'nother country, Texas is more like five, there are five distinct regions within Texas. Blacks and Hispanics are automatically Democrat, now who is profiling? I believe Delaware was the first state to ever threaten succession. Wouldn't bother me if they left. Why do so many of you people presume that if an individual lives in a certain state they must be a certain way?
Why do you think Texas has less of a right to vote in the primary elections than you do. Juststeve if that was true there wouldn't be enough republicans in Cameron county to have a meeting. We still love Buddy
daryl- your comments toward the blacks and hispanics is what's racist. and why do you dems always catergorize republicans as rich? ya'll are portraying as rich acting like ya'll can afford obamacare and no bother about the trillions being spent. healthcare will further cripple the economy when no one has an extra dime to spend...ya'll must think you'll be exempt or healthcare will be free or affordable.
at least read up on it for your own knowledge instead of ignoring what's going on because after that there will be no worry for any of us.
Well daryl when there is a disaster I never see any liberal organizations helping out I do however see the Salvation Army (religious), the baptists always show up with their portable grills to feed everybody and usually Catholic charities is right behind them so in times of trouble I'll take the religious right anyday. The feds on the other hand told us to go take a hike.
As a Texan, let me just say....... the rest of the country benefits greatly, by NOT having Texas have any say whatsoever in the selection of a President for the entire country.
Seconded! And let me add that the TX Lege didn't give a red rat's butt when Democrats in TX had ZERO say in picking the candidate in 08. I hope that the one thing that comes of this mess is irrefutable proof that the only fair way to re-draw districts is with an nonpolitical, nonpartisan, objective entity. Who that would be is the $64,000 question, though....
Well said, my fellow Texans.
The only way democrat and independant voters will EVER have a say in who is elected President is if the outdated electoral college is done away with.
As for the people on here bashing Texas; try not to lump us all in the same category as "king" Perry. While he was out on the campain trail making a fool of himself and the state of Texas, on Texas tax payers dime, the state was literally on fire - and he didn't give a damn.
Amen brother...
You must be Bill White's son, brother or father. Only a lonely Democrat in a conservative state would say such a thing. BTW we Texans benefit greatly is YOU not having a say. Please stay home if you don't mind.
nannygog you do understand Texas is an open primary. That means Texans choose party affiliation when they go to the polls and ask for the primary ballot of their choice. The whole dang state republicans,democrats and independents could show up and ask for ballots in the republican primary. Of course that would mean they couldn't vote the other party in primary elections that are local so they don't ordinarily do that.
More delay from the state of Tom DeLay.
Nah ~ Tom did like most Republican shysters ~ when the heat got turned up he hauled ass to another state. And he was so innocent, and all. Why did he run? You'd think he would stay here and defend his "honor."
would be a god send to secede from the us. that's the only good thing i've heard.
UNION BABY- that's secede not succeed
why wait until the primary to map it out? morons
If republicans don't cut the crap, this could get really ugly, really fast. What is wrong with this nation? Here's something to think about. Information directly quoted from: "The Top Five Causes of the Civil War... Leader up to Secession and the Civil War" By Martin Kelly
1. Economic and social differences between the North and the South.
With Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin in 1793, cotton became very profitable. This machine was able to reduce the time it took to separate seeds from the cotton. However, at the same time the increase in the number of plantations willing to move from other crops to cotton meant the greater need for a large amount of cheap labor, i.e. slaves. Thus, the southern economy became a one crop economy, depending on cotton and therefore on slavery. On the other hand, the northern economy was based more on industry than agriculture. In fact, the northern industries were purchasing the raw cotton and turning it into finished goods. This disparity between the two set up a major difference in economic attitudes. The South was based on the plantation system while the North was focused on city life. This change in the North meant that society evolved as people of different cultures and classes had to work together. On the other hand, the South continued to hold onto an antiquated social order.
2. States versus federal rights.
Since the time of the Revolution, two camps emerged: those arguing for greater states rights and those arguing that the federal government needed to have more control. The first organized government in the US after the American Revolution was under the Articles of Confederation. The thirteen states formed a loose confederation with a very weak federal government. However, when problems arose, the weakness of this form of government caused the leaders of the time to come together at the Constitutional Convention and create, in secret, the US Constitution. Strong proponents of states rights like Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry were not present at this meeting. Many felt that the new constitution ignored the rights of states to continue to act independently. They felt that the states should still have the right to decide if they were willing to accept certain federal acts. This resulted in the idea of nullification, whereby the states would have the right to rule federal acts unconstitutional. The federal government denied states this right. However, proponents such as John C. Calhoun fought vehemently for nullification. When nullification would not work and states felt that they were no longer respected, they moved towards secession.
3. The fight between Slave and Non-Slave State Proponents.
As America began to expand, first with the lands gained from the Louisiana Purchase and later with the Mexican War, the question of whether new states admitted to the union would be slave or free. The Missouri Compromise passed in 1820 made a rule that prohibited slavery in states from the former Louisiana Purchase the latitude 36 degrees 30 minutes north except in Missouri. During the Mexican War, conflict started about what would happen with the new territories that the US expected to gain upon victory. David Wilmot proposed the Wilmot Proviso in 1846 which would ban slavery in the new lands. However, this was shot down to much debate. The Compromise of 1850 was created by Henry Clay and others to deal with the balance between slave and free states, northern and southern interests. One of the provisions was the fugitive slave act that was discussed in number one above. Another issue that further increased tensions was the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. It created two new territories that would allow the states to use popular sovereignty to determine whether they would be free or slave. The real issue occurred in Kansas where proslavery Missourians began to pour into the state to help force it to be slave. They were called "Border Ruffians." Problems came to a head in violence at Lawrence Kansas. The fighting that occurred caused it to be called "Bleeding Kansas." The fight even erupted on the floor of the senate when antislavery proponent Charles Sumner was beat over the head by South Carolina's Senator Preston Brooks.
4. Growth of the Abolition Movement.
Increasingly, the northerners became more polarized against slavery. Sympathies began to grow for abolitionists and against slavery and slaveholders. This occurred especially after some major events including: the publishing of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, the Dred Scott Case, John Brown's Raid, and the passage of the fugitive slave act that held individuals responsible for harboring fugitive slaves even if they were located in non-slave states.
5. The election of Abraham Lincoln.
Even though things were already coming to a head, when Lincoln was elected in 1860, South Carolina issued its "Declaration of the Causes of Secession." They believed that Lincoln was anti-slavery and in favor of Northern interests. Before Lincoln was even president, seven states had seceded from the Union: South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas.
And just think for a minute, by simply replacing a few issues to reflect the times, can you draw a parallel between the 1850's and 60's and today? I sure can, and it's not a good thing.
and create, in secret...obamacare. very simular
chartsweb - If you thought it was a "secret", you must live in a cave.
You forgot to mention all of the New York factors who bought the cotton crop, shipped the cotton crop, controlled the mills in the Northeast that produced fabrics from the cotton crop and had most southern farmers in debt to their ears.
"If republicans don't cut the crap, this could get really ugly, really fast. What is wrong with this nation?"
Somehow I don't think we conservatives are too concerned about not being able to kick the crap out of proponents of big governement types in a civil war.
Don't you just love gerrymandered democracy?
yeah, it just does not mention the other 26 districts being reconfigured and who would have a larger vote in those. A token two whole districts. It needs to fairly reflect Dems, Independents and Repubs to make general elections fair but of course that is not going to happen until we elect our leaders in General Elections by popular vote!
deprogrammer- texas boat people love to cut off your harbor trade
Gee I don't think all of your old people will fit in florida every winter.
I will be seriously pissed off if I don't get to vote because of this nonsense, we picked up four new seats simple math TWO for the Democrats TWO for the Republicans and be done with it, it can't be that hard to draw the map to work it that way.
Second that. The right to vote of every Texan is in jeoprady. Black, white or tejano we all have the same right to vote that all of you yankees do. That you are willing to deny us that right and cheer only shows me that we would be better off without you.
Do you think the Stimulus package didn't work? Here are some facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics -Current Employment Statistics Highlights - Jan 2012:
During the last year of the Bush administration 3,603,000 jobs were lost
An additional 1,542,000 jobs were lost before the stimulus package was even passed (total = 5,145,000)
In the first four months after the stimulus was passed in Feb 2009, 2,334,000 jobs were lost (before the stimulus could take effect)
120 days after the stimulis bill was passed we were adding jobs with 1,184,000 jobs added from July to December of 2009.
From January 2010 through December 2011 2,574,000 jobs were added. (total 3,758,000 jobs added since the stimulus took effect compared to 7,479,00 jobs lost from Jan 1008 to June 2009)
In my opinion, according to the facts, the Stimulus package was a roaring success and reversed the Bush deprecession. (recession that could easily have become another depression.) When you hear that the Stimulus bill was a complete failure do not believe that out and out lie.
??? logig....are you on the right post?
Web, The real question is whether or not you can identify with facts, and whether or not it's you who is on the right post? You can fool some people...! It's going to be a very hard Christmas for you and your Repupliclone buddies (like Gov. Perry), when their will by no more denying what President Obama has really done!
sandan--smart of you to listen and realize it damn sure will be a hard christmas if you're keeping obama along with his pay now health care.
cancel christmas, birthday, wedding, 4th july etc. you won't afford to do anything along with everyone else. how do you like it now? look at economy after that. but that maybe how you live now so bring us all down with your envy
"Republican legislative leaders argued that they drew the original maps merely to benefit their party's candidates." Really? Why have these disgusting excuses for public servants no regard for fair representation, the integrity of the democratic process, or basic ethics? They, and the evil partisanship they personify, are the root of all that has gone wrong with our democracy. Legislators are elected to make our government function justly and efficiently, not to advance some simplistic, arbitrary, counter-productive, political ideology. If we have any instinct for self-preservation, we must purge the ideologues from our government and replace them with pragmatists who want only to address the problems we face with practical, non-ideological, solutions. There is no merit in any dogmatic political ideology that goes beyond a basic respect for the will of the majority and the rights of minorities.
henry.
In Washington, another federal court is weighing a separate case challenging whether maps drawn by the Texas Legislature were legal. Since Texas is one of nine states with a history of racial discrimination, the Washington court or the U.S. Department of Justice must pre-approve any changes to state election laws.
there you go...everyone is looked after
After coming home to Texas I registered to vote. It's been almost 8 months and I still don't have a voters card. How many of you liberals would stand for that? My area is one that they are redrawing hope we get free of Corpus that guy wouldn't even notice if we fell off the map.
lonereb...not to worry if you registered all you need is an id at your district voting area
Texas should secede and take these other states with it. S.Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Georgia. Virginia use to lead the pack of stupid states. It still would and could in some matters, but these other six states lower the bar so much farther.
If that was the case, millions of us would move to that new nation to get away from the liberal socialists
If thats the way you feel why did you invade these states and five others to force your will on them with armies?
We will take Louisiana as well and watch the rest of the country come to an economic hault.
Right, thats why all those conservative bible thumping states are doing so well economically. The only reason Texas has money is because of oil, its certainly not the collective brain power. What is it you want another civil war to lose?
obviously we will never think alike or agree for compromise but why should we be strong armed or feel like it would take a civil war to defend what we clearly don't want imposed on us. for you or me.
too bad we couldn't co exist with with 2 forms of plan a/or b. sign up for the one that's right for you. if you have a change of heart when the plan renews switch to plan b. (not ins plan)
The GatewayBull... as soon as those states were out of your site, you would find another that you thought you were better than. How pitiful of a life you must have.
Mexico has always claimed Texas as part of their country. I say we just give it back to them. After Bush and Perry I can't see any reason to want to hang on to Texas.
Iowa want to see a copy of the signed document where Mexico signed away rights to Texas. Santa Anna signed it. idiots out wandering about do not rule my life.
After Bush and Perry, why do you think Mexico would still want Texas?
Mexico cannot AFFORD to support Texas, Come to think of it, Neither can the USA
bo--so sadly true
Leave Texas alone. Besides, I hear, due to severe overcrowding in hell, the "devil" has leased that state with an option to buy over a 20 year period. Course you know what will happen when the "old hairy" attempts to enforce the terms; the Texans will steal his pitchfork, put him in a burlap sack, tote him over to New Mexico, and turn him loose among the women and children there, and laugh their ass off. It's the Texas way. They just can't help it.
old hairy obama...oh yeah
NOT - "Attorney General Greg Abbott announced he had reached agreement on most parts of the maps with most of the parties involved. Notably absent from the deal are the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, the Legislative Black Caucus, the NAACP, the so-called Davis plaintiffs and the Texas Democratic Party, which sued over the Senate district maps in Tarrant County."Get back to work!!!
Isn't it interesting that the judge who is causing all this turmoil is Hispanic. Whatever happened to the concept of conflict of interest? These "minority" groups got much of what they were asking, but not everything. So in good "victim" fashion, they threw a temper tantrum and blocked the process until they get everything they want. That does not fit the definition of compromising.
It's 3 judges one of whom also likes to tell teenage kids what they are allowed to say in their graduation speeches.
Deal????? Making a deal on constitutional voters rights that have already been defined? Either you have the rights or you don't. Making a "deal" should not be part of the process!
Well unless they make a deal and big daddy in DC signs off on it nobody in Texas can vote.
Hmmm,,,,OK, So all 600,000 Democrats refuse to live in one house in one district, Maybe if Republicans work on a "pigment" amendment that only allows voters to have so much color? Or maybe passing a law against being reasonable? I've got it!!! A law making IQ levels above 50 a felony!!!
Let's cut off Federal Aid and watch Texas wither and die
How about we here in Texas cut off the fuel for your work truck their Bo and watch you beg for your family's well being? Deal?
Hey Tracey if they cut off aid to our schools we'll be able to ask parents if the student is legally in the country or not. Should save us enough to refund art and music in the schools.
Wither and die? Are you really serious? Better do some research first before you spout off, buddy.
Bo, Great reply! The responses from Tracy, Reb, and Mike are about as LIMP as Perry Tale's brain and, who knows...what else. Defending ignorance is one of the biggest problems we have in Texas and the fact that 50% of all Texans under 25-years of don't have high school diplomas is proof.
bo the racist
Sandan where do you get you BS information from? Cite you source boy.
"In Washington, another federal court is weighing a separate case challenging whether maps drawn by the Texas Legislature were legal. Since Texas is one of nine states with a history of racial discrimination, the Washington court or the U.S. Department of Justice must pre-approve any changes to state election laws." Yes, Texas has a long & UGLY history of voter discrimination! Prior to the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the state regularly tried to interfere with non-Anglo voting. Besides nefarous practices like the Poll Tax and the "Literacy Test" the state is the home to the infamous "White Primary" law. That illegal piece of trash was struck down by the US Supreme Court in 1941! So the state deserves to be CAREFULLY watched whenever it seeks to redistrict! Personally, I think ALL four seats should be Hispanic majority seats since almost ALL the growth in Texas from 2000-2010 was due to the Latino population.
Since you obviously know little about Texas one of the districts in question is south of the Nueces river. I dare you to draw a map in that area that wouldn't have a hispanic majority.
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it ironic that Texas must get approval from a Democratic Justice Department to ensure that discrimination which took place under Democratic control doesn't happen again?
For you know-nothings that keep bad-mouthing Texas, the U.S. economy would surely miss us. Maybe you should do a little research first before the Texas-bashing continues.
And for the record---all those abuses you cited occurred under a Democratic majority in Texas. Why didn't you point THAT little fact out?
Also, since the census counts bodies, not legal voting citizens, how do you KNOW that the lines aren't drawn fairly?
And for the record, Lonereb, I believe that Southwestern guy knows little about ANYTHING!
They need to change the last part from:
"Republican legislative leaders argued that they drew the original maps merely to benefit their party's candidates, but minority groups claim they discriminate by diluting the voting power of blacks and Hispanics."
to:
Republican legislative leaders argued that they drew the original maps merely to benefit their party's candidates, by diluting the voting power of blacks and Hispanics.
That would be more true.
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, texas!
Wow, really profound, there.
did you think of that ALL by yourself?
Nahhhhh, you probably had to have help to even come up with that!
That's all these idiots do is "let's make a deal" to suit their own personal interests.
I have it from a very good source that Mexico does not want Texas and in fact would declare it an act of war if it is allowed to secede and attempts to join Mexico.
Don't give up your day job... that is if you have one!
This smells like the politicians trying to fix things for them self, to help their own party. Is that how it is supposed to work, thought they were to represent all people in their district. LOL backwoods politics. Hey Texas, where you gonna go? to Mexico, better yet put up a big fence to keep yourself in.