It's bad if (Texas AG) Abbott convinces plaintiffs to split off and benefit a few, rather than all members of the group. It's even worse if any members of the plaintiff group seek out a private settlement that doesn't help solve all of our redistricting woes
Update from The Austin Chronicle | By Richard Whittaker – LULAC attorney Luis Roberto Vera, Jr. who confirmed that his clients (who are still pushing for coalition districts) are still pushing to wait for the DC ruling . . . "As to negotiations," he wrote, "they have totally broken down as of now. I am sure they will resume but I doubt an agreement if at all by this Monday so I don't expect an April 3rd election."
From Burnt Orange Report | By Katherine Haenschen ( Jan 30, 2012 1 pm cst) – Over the weekend, it was reported that redistricting plaintiffs (minority and Democratic groups) were poised to win big in a settlement over the map used for the 2012 elections, in return for the ability to hold an early April primary that makes Texas more relevant in the Republican presidential primary.
Michael Li blogged about it over the weekend, writing: Sources cautioned, though, that there are many moving pieces to the deal and that it is not clear whether it will be possible to get all plaintiff groups on board. Some closely involved in the process are said to be concerned that the state is attempting to divide and conquer plaintiff groups in negotiations and that any partial deal could prove to be divisive.
Makes sense, right? The State of Texas – which in this case has aims that are essentially identical to those of the Republican Party – would try to split up the plaintiff group to eke out the least-bad settlement that preserves as much of the Legislature's map and ensuing Republican seats as possible.
If some members of the plaintiff group consider working with Attorney General Greg Abbott on a short-sighted settlement that only benefits some, not all members of the plaintiff group, that's bad news for everyone in Texas.
The plaintiffs look poised to win in court, so it's in the best interest of Abbott, the State of Texas, and the Republican Party to settle and try to eke out any gains they can, while they still have a chance. Since the Republicans' prime motivation seems to be an early primary, that gives extreme urgency to the proceedings, since maps need to be finalized and county elections divisions need to know to get a move-on to be able to hold April primaries.
The incumbent and establishment Republicans seem to want an early primary not only so our state matters in the overall Presidential nomination process, but also to avoid a split primary where Tea Party challengers would have a much easier time knocking out incumbent State Senators, congress members, and legislators.
4 comments:
I would be glad to donate money to the plaintiffs just to NOT settle with these anti-democracy yahoos.
Just say NO to arrogant right wing voter suppression in every form.
I agree with part of what Rocky says, "Just say NO to arrogant voter suppression" only I would add whether it comes from the right or from the left. LULAC is trying to suppress the voice of the residents living in those areas in favor of ethnic issues. The only difference is that instead of political party, they are using another factor. It is still voter suppression by another name and in another way. Why not let the people living in the areas affected decide what the best solution for them is?
We need a government that is accountable to the people. It is sad that although the Texas legislature decided the matter that "know-it-alls" from other States, or who kowtow to the party ideologues rather than abide by the law and Constitution, who think they know better try to tell us how to do things and how we can structure our representative districts. Let Texas decide what happens in Texas. Let those living in the districts decide what is best. We have had a Representative who has ignored the people of Hays County and their views on things like water, health care, light bulbs, etc. for too long, in favor of his pet cronies in Austin, Washington and other big cites who contribute to his campaign and buy his votes.
"Just say no to Voter suppression in EVERY form, right, left, ethnic, federal, etc."
Since you don't donate to any candidate, go ahead and donate to the plaintiffs. At least then you are putting your money where your mouth is.
What does make sense is to take away control of redistricting from arrogant and special interest legislators.
Let voters select independent individuals to determine future redistricting maps.
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