Supreme Court orders new look at Texas' congressional districts

[Samurai_Writer]

Supreme Court orders new look at Texas' congressional districts
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court handed Democrats a victory today, ordering a lower court to reconsider a Texas redistricting plan that could give Republicans six more seats and a firmer hold on their majority in the House.

The decision won't affect next month's elections, though any GOP gains on Nov. 2 could be wiped out later if the plan ultimately is deemed unconstitutional.

States must redraw boundaries every 10 years to reflect population shifts found during the census. Five appeals over the Texas boundary-drawing pose an interesting question: Can political leaders of a Legislature force district drawing more frequently than once a decade, to make more seats winnable for members of their party?

The case has been exceedingly contentious. Democratic legislators twice staged walkouts from the Texas Legislature to protest district-drawing that benefited Republican candidates.

And House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, was admonished recently by the House ethics committee for getting too involved.

More... http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory2/2853293

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Too late for 2004 elections, of course... what a surprise.

[freetobegay]

1. Thankfully the house gets voted every two years!

:)

[calimary]

2. Not too late to help tom delay's opponent - Richard Morrison:

http://www.richardmorrisonfordistrict22.com/blog/index.php

[sonias]

3. Awesome news

I never thought that damn rigged SCOTUS would give us another chance. They have ruled against us before as well as the rigged justice dept. Oh please, please let them reverse the mess they did in Texas. I want my Congressman back.

Sonia

[bearfan454]

4. This is fantastic news !

It was a pure illegal power grab.

[Moderator]

5. Please continue discussion here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=913125