Texas pulls veil of secrecy over redistricting, and a DA's investigation in Leander

The state contends that testimony from the four staff members would evade the witnesses’ “legislative privilege and jeopardize the legislative independence it fosters.”

Editor's note: On the first story, we say "Bullshot" to the state's attempt to hide the true story behind the GOP's gerrymandering of Texas Democrats and minorities out of their due representation in Congress. On the second story, a reminder that in some Texas counties the DA's office takes seriously allegations of public sector misconduct, very much unlike present day Hays County.

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Texas Redistricting | State of Texas moves to bar depositions of legislative staff | July 21 2011 – In the consolidated redistricting cases in San Antonio, the State of Texas has moved to bar depositions of four witnesses who worked for or with members of the Legislature on the redistricting process. The four staff members are: Jeff Archer, counsel for the Texas Legislative Council; Ryan Downton, committee counsel to the Texas House Redistricting Committee; Doug Davis, counsel to the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting; Gerardo Interiano, counsel to Speaker Straus. The state contends that testimony from the four staff members would evade the witnesses’ “legislative privilege and jeopardize the legislative independence it fosters.” Copy of the state’s motion for protective order here: http://tinyurl.com/3ktukul

Austin American-Statesman | Texas Rangers, DA investigate Leander Mayor | By Miguel Liscano, Thursday July 21 — In the latest infighting among city officials in Leander, Mayor John Cowman said that an unidentified "traitor" on the City Council has filed accusations of corruption and misconduct against him, prompting the Texas Rangers and the Williamson County district attorney to begin an investigation.

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Williamson County District Attorney John Bradley confirmed that his office, along with the Texas Rangers, is investigating allegations against the Leander mayor."Beyond that, I don't have anything to add until the investigation is completed and we make some decision about whether there's any merit," Bradley said. "If that investigation yields enough information to believe a grand jury should hear it, then we'll present it to a grand jury.