High court observers see (Texas) redistricting case as pivotal

[papau]

U.S Supreme Court had tried to steer clear of the issue, but now the High Court will now hear sides in the Texas redistricting case.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/3523270.html
Dec. 14, 2005, 12:35AM

High court observers see redistricting case as pivotal
Political expert says a look at gerrymandering could be 'historic'

By PATTY REINERT
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court, historically reluctant to wade into what it has called the "political thicket" of redistricting cases, has now jumped in with both feet.

Legal and political experts said Tuesday that the implications for Texas and the nation, not to mention for former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, could be enormous.

On Monday, the court agreed to hear arguments in four cases challenging the 2003 Texas redistricting plan that sent six more Republicans to Congress in the last election. The challengers will try to convince the justices next spring that the new map should not have been redrawn when it was — and that it violates the federal Voting Rights Act and the Constitution by diluting minority voting strength and favoring Republican candidates.
DeLay's role in the controversial Texas redistricting resulted in his being rebuked by the House ethics committee. DeLay was also forced to step down from his leadership post and indicted on money laundering charges after he was accused of illegally diverting funds to the campaigns of Texas lawmakers responsible for redrawing the map.

"The redistricting cases cannot be seen outside the context of the indictment of DeLay and the investigation into (former lobbyist Jack) Abramoff," said Julian Zelizer, a Boston University history professor and author of a book on congressional scandals. "The bigger story here is whether Republicans are misusing their power to maintain their power, and how the court will address that."<snip>